LiveScan fingerprinting is a biometric identification process that captures an individual's fingerprints electronically, and it is used in a variety of contexts to verify the identity of the individual and their criminal history. Here are some detailed examples of why LiveScan fingerprinting is important and how it is used:
- Employment Background Checks: Many employers require a background check before hiring an employee. LiveScan fingerprinting is a key component of this process as it allows employers to verify the identity of the applicant and check their criminal history, providing a measure of security to the workplace.
- Professional Licenses: Many states require LiveScan fingerprinting for those seeking a professional license. For example, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and teachers are all required to undergo LiveScan fingerprinting to obtain their licenses. This helps to ensure that the people entrusted with certain professions have not committed any serious crimes in the past.
- Adoption and Foster Care: LiveScan fingerprinting is required for individuals who wish to adopt a child or provide foster care. This process helps to ensure that children are placed in safe and secure homes and are protected from individuals with a history of criminal behavior.
- Immigration: LiveScan fingerprinting is used in the immigration process to verify the identity of the individual and to check their criminal history in the United States and abroad. This helps to ensure that only individuals with a legitimate claim to entry are allowed to enter the country.
- Criminal Investigations: LiveScan fingerprinting is an important tool used by law enforcement agencies to identify suspects and link them to crimes. The fingerprints collected at crime scenes are compared to those in databases of known criminals to help identify suspects and solve crimes.
- Security Clearances: LiveScan fingerprinting is required for individuals seeking security clearances for certain government or military positions. This process helps to ensure that only individuals with a clean criminal history and no history of terrorism or espionage are granted access to sensitive information.
- Childcare Providers: LiveScan fingerprinting is often required for individuals working in childcare facilities or providing in-home childcare. This process helps to ensure that children are in safe and secure environments and are protected from individuals with a history of criminal behavior.
In summary, LiveScan fingerprinting is an important tool used in a variety of contexts to verify the identity of individuals and to check their criminal history. Its use helps to ensure safety and security in many areas of life, including employment, professional licensing, immigration, adoption and foster care, criminal investigations, security clearances, and childcare.