In today’s competitive job market, employers have more than just resumes and interviews to consider when choosing the right candidate—they also need to verify a person’s identity, history, and suitability for the role. That’s why more and more employers, across industries, are turning to LiveScan fingerprinting as a key part of their hiring and background check processes.
LiveScan fingerprinting offers employers a faster, more secure, and more accurate way to screen candidates, helping reduce liability and ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. Whether it’s a school district hiring teachers or a hospital onboarding new nurses, LiveScan is now a gold standard for pre-employment screening.
So why exactly do employers rely on LiveScan? Let’s explore how it works and why it’s so effective in helping businesses make smart, safe hiring decisions.
What Is LiveScan Fingerprinting?
LiveScan fingerprinting is a digital process that captures and transmits fingerprints electronically to law enforcement or regulatory agencies (such as the FBI or state Department of Justice). It’s used to conduct criminal background checks, which verify whether an applicant has a criminal history that could impact their eligibility for a position.
Unlike traditional ink fingerprinting, LiveScan is:
- Fast (results often return in 48–72 hours)
- Accurate (digital scans reduce the risk of errors)
- Secure (electronic transmission protects data integrity)
1. It Helps Protect the Workplace
The top reason employers use LiveScan fingerprinting is simple: safety. Background checks help ensure that employees do not pose a risk to coworkers, customers, or vulnerable populations like children or the elderly.
LiveScan enables employers to:
- Screen for criminal records across state and federal databases
- Flag individuals with histories of violence, theft, or abuse
- Prevent hiring of people who may put others in danger
This is especially important in industries like:
- Education (teachers, aides, bus drivers)
- Healthcare (nurses, caregivers, techs)
- Childcare (daycare staff, nannies)
- Government and law enforcement
- Finance and banking
By using LiveScan, employers take proactive steps to maintain a safe, secure environment for employees and the public.
2. It’s Required by Law in Many Industries
For many jobs, especially in regulated professions, fingerprint-based background checks are not optional—they’re required by law. States like New Jersey mandate LiveScan fingerprinting for roles involving:
- Teaching and public school work
- Healthcare licensure
- Real estate and insurance professionals
- Private security guards
- Court-appointed or licensed professionals
Employers in these fields rely on LiveScan not just for best practices, but to comply with state licensing boards, federal regulations, or contractual obligations.
Failing to conduct a proper background check using LiveScan can lead to legal penalties, revoked licenses, or civil liability in the event of a workplace incident.
3. It’s Faster and More Efficient Than Traditional Checks
Speed matters during the hiring process. The longer it takes to onboard a new hire, the longer a position remains vacant—costing time and money. LiveScan fingerprinting speeds things up by allowing digital submission and real-time tracking.
With LiveScan, results can be returned in:
- 24 to 72 hours for most DOJ or FBI checks
- Even faster if the agency prioritizes the request
This quick turnaround helps employers:
- Make timely hiring decisions
- Avoid delays in project or team staffing
- Provide candidates with updates more efficiently
Plus, because LiveScan checks fingerprint quality instantly, there’s less chance of needing a redo—which can add days or even weeks to the process with traditional ink methods.
4. It Reduces the Risk of Identity Fraud
Traditional background checks that rely solely on Social Security numbers or names can be vulnerable to fraud. Someone with a criminal past could use a stolen identity or false information to pass a check.
LiveScan fingerprinting, on the other hand, is tied to your biometric identity. Your fingerprints are unique and unchangeable, making it much harder for someone to lie or manipulate their way through the system.
For employers, this adds a critical layer of security and trust to the hiring process—especially when making decisions about positions of trust or authority.
5. It Enhances Employer Reputation and Public Trust
Using LiveScan as part of your hiring process also sends a clear message: your company takes safety, integrity, and compliance seriously.
When parents send their kids to school, or patients trust a hospital with their health, they want to know that the people caring for them have been thoroughly vetted. Employers who use LiveScan fingerprinting:
- Build public confidence
- Protect their brand reputation
- Attract higher-quality applicants who value safe work environments
It’s not just about protecting the company—it’s about building trust with the community.
Final Thoughts
LiveScan fingerprinting has quickly become a critical tool for employers across industries who want to hire responsibly, reduce liability, and meet regulatory requirements. It offers speed, security, and accuracy that traditional background checks simply can’t match.
Whether you’re a small business owner or part of a large HR team, integrating LiveScan into your hiring process can help you build a safer, more trustworthy workplace—and avoid costly mistakes down the line. We recommend newport beach livescan.