FINGERPRINT SCANNING SYSTEM FUND RAISER

WHAT IS IT?

Currently all fingerprints are taken in ink.   The Lake Placid Police Department fingerprints several hundred persons per year for the Lake Placid area.   Inked fingerprint cards are then sent to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement where they are scanned and compared to known criminal's fingerprints kept in electronic data bases.    The process takes weeks.    A computer based fingerprint scanning system scans the fingerprints inklessly across a plastic scan screen much like your home scanner.   The system then produces a clear fingerprint card print out if needed.  More importantly the system sends to FDLE the electronically scanned fingerprints.   A reply is obtained within hours whether the person has a previous criminal history.   In terms of whether this questioned person is coaching your child as a volunteer coach, becoming a day care volunteer, or even becoming a clown in our local clown college, delays can be harmful.

There are currently three systems in Highlands County.   There are none in Lake Placid.   Arrangements have been made with the Highlands County Sheriff's Office who graciously agreed to do our fingerprint scanning for us.   Lake Placid volunteers have to drive 30 miles round trip, Lake Placid Center to the Highlands County Sheriff's Office to be have their fingerprints scanned.

The complete system cost $13,360 as pictured below.   Chief Williams has asked the town council to budget $3,360 towards the project in the coming budget year.  The Police Department has partnered with the Lake Placid Elks Club who both hope to raise the other $10,000.

CONTRIBUTIONS MAY BE MADE TO THE LAKE PLACID POLICE DEPARTMENT EARMARKED TOWARDS THE FINGERPRINT SCAN SYSTEM.