Wisconsin Department of Justice Identification Manual - Imprimus ...

Plain Impression of the Thumb
Obtaining Electronic Impressions
The procedure for obtaining electronic fingerprint images is similar to those for
obtaining inked impressions. The ink, inking plate and fingerprint card are replaced
by the glass platen on the live scan fingerprint device.
The person to be printed should stand in front of and at forearms length from the
glass platen. The positions of both the person and the technician should be natural
and relaxed if the best fingerprints are to be obtained. In order to take advantage of
the natural movement in making finger impressions, the hand should be rotated from
the awkward to the easy position. This requires that the thumbs be rolled toward and
the fingers away from the center of the person's body. This process relieves strain
and leaves the fingers relaxed upon the completion of the rolling so they may be
lifted easily from the platen without danger of slipping, which smudges and blurs the
prints.
Just as with inked impressions, excessive perspiration will result in the fingerprint
images not being clear. When this situation is encountered, the person's fingers
should be individually wiped clean and immediately printed. This process should be
followed with each finger. It is also possible to wipe the fingers with alcohol or
some other drying agent which will temporarily reduce the amount of perspiration
and thus permit the technician to obtain clear, legible fingerprint impressions.
With live scan fingerprint devices, the glass platens must also be kept clean and free
of scratches.
In taking the rolled impressions, the side of the bulb of the finger (tip of finger to
below first joint) is placed upon the glass platen and the finger is rolled to the other
side (fingernail to fingernail) until it faces the opposite direction.
Wisconsin Department of Justice Identification Manual Obtaining Fingerprint Impressions • 72