Whether you are deciding between a fingerprint check or a background check, it is important to understand the differences between the two. Besides knowing the differences, you should also know that both types of checks are necessary to ensure the security of a business. But which is the best method to use?

Name-based checks are more complete

Regardless of your industry, a name-based criminal background check is a great way to avoid hiring mistakes. In addition to confirming your employee’s identity, name-based checks can also reveal their educational history and professional certifications. Whether you’re an employer or a hiring manager, name-based checks are a cost-effective way to reduce your hiring risks and promote workplace safety.

While fingerprints are a convenient and unique identifier, they are not a comprehensive source of records. In fact, 50 percent of all criminal records are not indexed in the FBI database. This means that an arrest for vagrancy might not be in the database. And even if an arrest does appear in the FBI database, it may not indicate the final disposition of the case.

In addition, it isn’t always clear what is contained in a fingerprint database. And the information may be outdated. For this reason, fingerprints should be used only in conjunction with name-based searches.

Fingerprint databases don’t always contain the most up-to-date information

Despite the fact that law enforcement agencies and employers rely on the FBI fingerprint database for their screening procedures, many of the records found within it are not accurate. This makes it difficult for investigators to verify important facts and reduce false positives in background checks.

The FBI fingerprinting database contains a wide variety of criminal records, including arrests, military service records, and federal employment information. It is used to screen law enforcement agents and government employees. However, the data is not always accurate or updated.

Approximately 50 percent of the FBI fingerprint database contains information that is inaccurate or incomplete. This can create an inaccurate screening report, which could lead to disparate impact discrimination. It could also put an organization at risk for legal liability.

According to the National Employment Law Project, 1.8 million workers in the United States are subject to incomplete background checks. In addition, almost half of the arrest records contained by the FBI are incomplete.

Live scan is preferred method of collecting fingerprints

Whether you’re going through a background check, applying for a job, or looking for a new place to live, it’s likely that you’ll need to collect your fingerprints. While some government agencies still accept paper-based fingerprint submissions, live scan is the preferred method. Using a live scan machine can save time and reduce human error.

Getting your fingerprints electronically can also have a positive impact on the environment. There are many different types of live scan fingerprinting equipment. Some are portable, such as a FINRA card, while others are more stationary. You’ll need to know the minimum specifications to ensure that you get the best results.

The old fashioned way to collect your fingerprints is by pressing your fingers against a piece of paper. However, this method has a number of shortcomings. It’s messy and can result in inaccurate information.

Live scan fingerprinting technology was first introduced in 1989. Since then, the technology has become increasingly popular. Today, the FBI has over 138 million fingerprints in its National Grid Image (NGI) database.

Issues with fingerprinting

Using fingerprinting for background checks can be problematic. While it provides a high level of verification, it can also lead to inaccurate or incomplete information. This can lead to unintentional discrimination and a hazard to the hiring process. If the screening report does not include all information, it could create a disparate impact and a risk of legal liability for the employer.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducts a number of fingerprint background checks for employment purposes. In 2012, 17 million of these checks were conducted. However, these checks are outdated and do not integrate with common ATS and HRIS systems.

If you rely on fingerprinting results to make hiring decisions, it can lead to unintentional discrimination. It can also cause you to hire candidates that are not qualified or able to work with children or financial transactions.

Despite their flaws, fingerprinting has been considered a reliable means of identifying criminals. It is accepted by many state courts. It is also used by law enforcement agencies to identify individuals who have been arrested.