NCJ Number
116052
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 58 Issue: 2 Dated: (February 1989) Pages: 14-17
Date Published
1989
Length
4 pages
Annotation
A program in which the police department of Santa Ana, Calif. distributed inkless fingerprint pads at no cost to about 70 businesses has had a positive impact on the check forgery and counterfeiting problem in the City.
Abstract
In 1987 the City experienced a significant increase in the number of counterfeit and stolen checks being passed in local businesses. Intelligence information revealed that organized groups of criminals operating in the western United States were targeting small family businesses and check-cashing establishments, posing as legitimate customers and moving on quickly to a different area. Local businesses were reluctant to use conventional fingerprinting, because customers would be left with ink-stained fingers. Therefore, the police department obtained inkless fingerprint pads. It provided the pads, together with window decals and placards, and asked businesses to obtain thumbprints before cashing payroll and government checks so that the print could be entered into the CAL ID computer. The CHECK PRINT program began on April 8, 1988. Since its start, the reported forgeries have declined by 48 percent, and the dollar loss to participating businesses has dropped by 68 percent. Participating merchants have experienced minimal resistance from customers. Photographs and figure.