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Authorization form | Background Check Results | Background Disclosure | Definitions | Employment and Access Decisions | Fingerprint-Based Background Checks | General Questions | Disclaimer | Purpose | WSP RapSheet (example) | Reading RapSheets | Request for Thumbprint | Washington State Patrol
Request for Thumbprint
Why is a thumbprint required to complete some background checks?
If BCCU identifies two people who have similar names or dates of birth, a thumbprint is required to determine which person has the record.
- Thumbprints are required by state law to prevent conviction records from being released in error;
- Identity problems occur when someone else “steals” another’s identification;
- A thumbprint can positively identify an individual.
Is it possible to roll a thumbprint at the requesting entity?
Yes if:
- Staff are trained by the WSP and
- Special fingerprint ink is used.
How long does it take the WSP to return the result of a thumbprint?
The WSP must physically compare the thumbprints provided on the form with those on the arrest record. BCCU has an arrangement with the State Patrol to process thumbprints within 5 days of receipt of the BCCU request.
Once a thumbprint is requested, can a background check be completed without it?
NO. If a thumbprint is requested for any individual that has submitted an authorization form, the background check is not complete until the thumbprint result is sent from the WSP to BCCU.
Is a thumbprint required if the applicant has prints on file at another agency?
YES. There is no relationship between having fingerprints taken for other reasons, such as college certification or an FBI check.
WSP PROCEDURE FOR THUMBPRINT IDENTIFICATION
- WSP Identification and Criminal History Section is the central repository for criminal history records.
- Information is reported to the WSP by local criminal justice agencies.
- Each person in the WSP database is given a state identification (SID) number.
- Information involving each person is filed under his or her assigned SID number.
- If BCCU identifies two people who have similar names or dates of birth, a thumbprint is required to determine which person has the potential record in the WSP database.
- WSP will compare the thumbprint submitted by the facility with the fingerprints on record at the WSP.
- WSP will either attach the “rap” sheet if the thumbprint reveals that the person does have a record, or
- WSP will stamp the form indicating that no record exists for the applicant.
- The WSP will return their finding to the BCCU.
- BCCU will record the results and mail them to the entity.
The above procedure was developed to provide the WSP with the thumbprint at no cost to the entity. This procedure is part of the BCCU background check and not a separate process. The results are not returned until the entire process is completed.