Equipment for Inked Impressions

The FBI Identification Division has historically adhered to a policy of processing any legible set of fingerprints through its fingerprints files, however, only fingerprints taken with black printer's ink would be retained in the Identification Division files.  The FBI has for many years recommended all fingerprint impressions be taken with black printer's ink to insure the fingerprints are clear, legible, and of a permanent nature.  The FBI continues to recommend the use of black printer's ink, however, inkless chemical and electronic scanning processes for obtaining fingerprints have recently been developed which produce legible black fingerprint impressions on standard white fingerprint cardstock.  The FBI Identification Division will now process and retain, in addition to fingerprints taken with black printer's ink, fingerprint impressions taken by inkless chemical and electronic scanning processes provided:  1) the fingerprints are recorded with a medium which provides uniform black impressions, clear in contrast, on standard white fingerprint cardstock (If other than black printer's ink is used, the endurance of the medium must be attested to as being permanent; this certification should come from the supplier of the process); 2) the fingerprint submission emanates from an authorized fingerprint contributor and the fingerprint card reflects all necessary data.

For those agencies and departments which continue to use the tried and proven process of recording fingerprint impressions with black printer's ink, the following is offered  for your assistance, however, much of the material offered is applicable to any method of recording fingerprint impressions.  The Crime Information Bureau (CIB) adheres to all guidelines that are required by the FBI.

The equipment required to take inked impressions is relatively inexpensive and long lasting.  The material needed may be obtained locally, or from a commercial fingerprint supply company and consists of the following:

•      Inking plate - scratch resistant metal plate or piece of 1/4" glass, 6" wide by 14" long

•      roller - 6" wide and 2" in diameter, type used by printers

•      ink - black printer's ink or commercial fingerprint ink

•      card holder - for holding fingerprint cards

•      stand - to mount inking plate and card holder, approximately 40" high

•      curved holder - for printing crippled or bent fingers

•      spatula - for inking crippled or bent fingers

•      cleaning solvent - for cleaning slab and roller

All fingerprint cards and envelopes are furnished by the CIB upon request by bona fide agencies.

IMPORTANT:  The inking slab and roller must be kept clean of a buildup of ink, lint, and dust, which will affect the quality of the inked impressions.

Fingerprint Stand