DPS does not keep fingerprints on file

[sjfcontrol]

Non-criminal fingerprints cannot be maintained in the file, or can they be put in AFIS. For example, when various police departments fingerprint children to use if they are kidnapped, the prints are given to the parents; the PD can't keep them.

Chas.

Really? Wow! Does that include the Feds? Decades ago I had my FP's taken for a security clearance. I always presumed from then on that I was "on file". Though I believe it was before they computerized everything, so they are probably in some VERY dusty file cabinet somewhere.

[jimlongley]

When I had a background check in NY, for a NY State security clearance, they showed me my fingerprint file. I had only been printed by the Navy before that.

Chas, as funny as it may sound, NY did not, in the past, require a new set of fingerprints for a pistol permit renewal, or even a new photograph. That may have changed in the last 15 years.

[Charles L. Cotton]

LEO/Military are exceptions to the restriction on keeping non-criminal fingerprints. Another exception applies to people who get security clearances as civilians.

However, you guys have me questioning my recollection of this restriction, so I'll check to see if it still applies. I learned of this years ago when talking to an FBI attorney about having to submit FBI fingerprints for CHL renewals. This was before NICS.

Chas.

[PeteCamp]

Chas

Many years ago (well early 1980's) I had to get a security clearance as a civilian. Fingerprints, FBI background investigation, everything, but I seem to remember the agents were maybe from DSA (?) Anyway, when I left I had to sign many NDA's and agree not to leave the country etc. I asked what happened to all the stuff they collected and the agent doing the exit interview said: "Remember the warehouse in Raiders of the Lost Ark?"

[hirundo82]

What states require fingerprints for the initial license, but not for renewals?

Virginia for one allows counties to take fingerprints for the initial permit (only a few actually do so), but they cannot take them for renewals.

[texas1234]

What is the point of taking the fingerprints if they dont keep them on file?

[Keith B]

What is the point of taking the fingerprints if they dont keep them on file?

IIRC, when they do the background to check, the fingerprints are ran against the database to make sure they don't match any open cases or wants/warrants or known criminals. Once the fingerprints have been cleared, then they are disposed of.

[texas1234]

Ahhh, thanks for the response.