Phoenix deputies fingerprint traffic stops

http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2005/02/03/phoenix_deputies_fingerprint_traffic_stops/?rss_id=Boston.com+%2F+News

Phoenix deputies fingerprint traffic stops
By Beth DeFalco, Associated Press Writer | February 3, 2005

PHOENIX -- Sheriff's deputies in the Phoenix area on Thursday began asking drivers getting ticketed for certain traffic violations to provide their fingerprints, drawing criticism from civil rights activists.

The fingerprinting is part of a pilot program that Sheriff Joe Arpaio says will help fight identity theft in Phoenix. The city has the highest per-capita rate of identity theft complaints in the country, according to the Federal Trade Commission.

<snip>

Deputies started carrying inkless fingerprint pads and were asking for a thumbprint from drivers given criminal tickets -- such as those issued for excessive speeding. Most moving violations are civil offenses and thus not part of the program.

Arpaio stressed that giving fingerprints would be voluntary, but constitutional law experts and civil rights groups were quick to point out problems with the program. Many doubted whether drivers would understand that they were not required to give their fingerprint.

They also questioned how fingerprints would ultimately be used.

story>>>> http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2005/02/03/phoenix_deputies_fingerprint_traffic_stops/?rss_id=Boston.com+%2F+News

and were told to cease and desist.