Eagle County Sheriff

Why Fingerprints?

As a result of legislation in late 1997, Department of Justice(DOJ) has developed an automated background check process that requires digitized fingerprints called "Live Scan." Live Scan is inkless electronic fingerprinting system where prints are transmitted to the DOJ for completion of a criminal record check. Live Scan will avoid problems associated with ink prints, such as smudging, smearing and over or under inking.

A fingerprint is an impression of the ridges of all or any part of the fingertip. The ridge is a raised portion of the skin at the end of the finger, on the palm or on your toes(we don't print these), consisting of one or more ridge systems called loops, whorls and arches.

The Eagle County Sheriff's office implemented the INDETEX Live Scan System in the winter of 2005 in a cooperative effort with the Detention Facility and Colorado Bureau of Investigation. The Office of the Sheriff fingerprints more than 2,000 persons a year.

Fingerprints are only one element that law enforcement officers use to determine identification. DNA and other records aid in the investigation of identity. Fingerprint background investigations are to verify a person's dentity and confirm their criminal justice records for the agency in which they are employed or for a potential employer.

More and more companies and agencies across America have requested this process to assist them in protecting their business and their customers, The fingerprint requests range from school district employees to mortgage brokers to emergency services workers and adoption.

Fingerprinting may be done between 8am to 4pm Monday through Friday. The cost of fingerprinting is $10 for the first card and $5 for each card thereafter. The process takes about 30 mins, call ahead with questions 328-8500