Fingerprinting vs. Police Department

NYC Notary Fingerprinting vs. Police Department?

I fingerprint dozens of people each month in New York City. However, sometimes I must decline. It's not that I would not do a high quality job; it's that in some very rare circumstances I am not qualified. The recipient of the fingerprint cards "sets the rules" and there are some that mandate fingerprinting must be done "by a law enforcement officer". I am a certified, insured, and highly experienced fingerprinting technician, but I am not a law enforcement officer. As a New York Mobile Notary Public, I ask that you carefully read the instructions you received from the agency requesting the fingerprint cards. They set the rules. Fortunately, this requirement is very rare.

Obtaining Police Department fingerprinting can be quite a frustrating experience. They rarely are willing to make appointments. When an appointment is secured, it is common for the fingerprint officer to be "on police business" and no one knows when they will be returning. Some larger police stations will have an entry line with metal detectors; require you to remove your shoes, etc. It is common that cameras and communications equipment must be "checked" at the door - and are returned upon departure. Some Police Departments only do "live scan" and will not give you a set of inked prints. Often there are no chairs, and a long wait....

That is not how Kenneth A. Edelstein operates. The main difference is that I go to you at a time of your convenience; bringing all necessary equipment. On my web site there are several helpful suggestions to facilitate successful fingerprinting. The key ones are having the room slightly cool, good lighting, and a counter height midway between your waist and shoulder (more or less - it's not that critical). However, fingerprinting at an ankle height cocktail table is impossible. Equally impossible is obtaining good prints in a hot and humid kitchen where food is being boiled amid billowing clouds of steam!

Unlike the "in a hurry" Police personnel, I take the time for proper finger preparation. I will ask you to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water. Next, I will apply a pre-fingerprinting finger preparation wipe of alcohol that removes any remaining moisture. I take the time to explain how you can assist me in obtaining the clearest prints possible. Lastly, my fingerprint cleaning wipes will remove all traces of ink and leave your hands spotless. I am one of the very few (I know of no other), but hesitate to say "the only one"; who fully guarantees acceptance of the cards. My guarantee gives you the choice of receiving a full immediate refund, or having me redo the job. Fingerprinting can be both convenient and a pleasant experience, call 917-864-3564 for more information.