Fingerprinting — those black ink prints with swirls and grooves — have been central to solving crimes for more than a century. But the traditional form has become antiquated. In the digital age, dark ink is no longer needed. The Stark County Sheriff's Department relies on computer-based fingerprinting technology, and is in the midst of updating its fingerprinting capabilities.

Fingerprinting — those black ink prints with swirls and grooves — have been central to solving crimes for more than a century.



But the traditional form has become antiquated. In the digital age, dark ink is no longer needed. The Stark County Sheriff’s Department relies on computer-based fingerprinting technology, and is in the midst of updating its fingerprinting capabilities. Some deputies also have started using a handheld device within the last year.



The result is a more efficient fingerprinting system and more applications for crime solving, said Sheriff George Maier.



“I think it’s really improved the effectiveness of what we do,” Maier said of computerized fingerprinting.



Two new fingerprinting machines — at a cost of $15,500 each — are being purchased, said Sheriff George Maier.



A grant is paying for one unit while the department will pay for the other, Maier said. The department has used computerized fingerprinting machines since the mid-1990s. More recent is the ability for deputies to use a small wireless device to collect what are known as live-scan fingerprints.



PORTABLE DEVICES



Several times the portable device has been used to identify a body at the county morgue, said Lt. Louis Darrow, who oversees the patrol division.



More potential uses include identifying people with Alzheimer’s disease who have driven off or wandered from home, Maier said. It also could be used at an arrest scene or criminal investigation.



Catching a suspect in the act of giving false information is another possibility. “A lot of times, before they put their hand on it people will confess who they are,” said Maj. Brian Arnold.



About half of the patrol deputies have been trained on the portable devices, which are touch-screen operated. The department has a total of 110 deputies, including those who work in the jail and civil division.



The department was given the devices by the Ohio Attorney General’s office — they each cost between $3,000 and $4,000, according to the department.



The portable devices can search databases in minutes for a fingerprint match through the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the FBI.



The wireless technology is similar to cellphones



An identification card — such as a driver’s license — can be swiped into the handheld device to input the information and check for arrest warrants.



UPDATING EQUIPMENT



But the department still keeps a supply of fingerprint ink. The main reason is in case the computer-based units break down, Arnold said. Some government-related agencies also require ink fingerprints for job applicants, he noted. The sheriff’s department provides that service.



The two stationary machines used in the jail’s booking area are several years old. The equipment will become obsolete because of software changes, Maier said. It makes more long-term financial sense to purchase new ones as opposed to simply updating software, according to jail officials.



Fingerprinting demand has increased over the years. The department sends fingerprints electronically to the WebCheck program through the Ohio Attorney General’s office. The Ohio BCI compares the image to a database of criminal fingerprints to determine if an individual has a criminal record.



The BCI issues a background report to help schools hospitals, daycare centers and other employers make hiring decisions, according to the attorney general’s office.



Unlike for jail bookings, the sheriff’s department does not retain fingerprints collected for WebCheck, and it’s conducted on a separate machine, Maier said.



Reach Ed at 330-580-8315 or ed.balint@cantonrep.com

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