Fingerprinting Services Now Available in Ford City

 

by Jonathan Weaver

A new fingerprinting option for local police officers will be available in a local magistrate’s office this week.

District Attorney Scott Andreassi’s donated the first fingerprinting machine to District Magisterial Judge Gary DeComo’s office in Ford City, using money forfeited from criminal defendants during the past couple years

“What we’re trying to do is increase the number of completed fingerprint cases in Armstrong County. We’re finding that some cases are falling through the cracks, and when they ultimately get to the Court of Common Pleas, for whatever reason, the defendants aren’t been fingerprinted, Andreassi said.

“We’re trying to make it as easy as we can for the police officers to get their cases processed. Ultimately, every case has to go through a magistrate’s office.”

Andreassi and Probation Officer Lee Grafton explained that a defendant’s sentence is based in part by their prior record and could constitute more-severe punishment.

Grafton researched how to correct the problem by contacting the magistrates, police departments and the Pennsylvania State Police at the end of 2015.

“The percentage is very low in Armstrong County compared to other counties in the state,” Officer Grafton said.

Grafton said individual police departments might already have a system similar to the Identicator Digit 10 system

Judge DeComo never had a fingerprinting system at his Ford City office before, but recognized the convenience for local police officers - some of whom may be part-time.

He explained officers might not have the time to get the person fingerprinted prior to the preliminary hearing so the new courtesy would be appreciated.

“Getting (a defendant) fingerprinted is good for the whole system,” Judge DeComo said. “It’s so important today, especially in the world we live in, to have proper ID on them.”
Andreassi said the State recommended each county look to create a central booking system, but Andreassi said officials agreed the recommendation did not make sense for Armstrong County based on cost and the geography of the area.

Fingerprinting machines cost $600-$800.

The goal is to have machines for the other three Armstrong County district judge offices by the end of 2016.

“We’re reaching out to local police departments, municipalities, community groups to see if they can assist us,” Andreassi said.

Groups or residents who want to donate toward the new fingerprinting machines should contact the District Attorney’s office at 724-548-3209.