Reply #57: Hey jukes, you're clearly NOT an apologist...

[Iowa]

Good posts, and thanks for the info. I'd like to pick your brain a bit more if you're still following this thread.

This reminds my of the NYPD Blue episode where Andy Sipowitz went to bat for his son to keep him out of the system. As a cop, (or if anyone else who wants to comment) maybe you can clarify something for me... What are the reasons one would not want their prints in the system? These are my assumptions:

Assumption 1: It increases the chances of being accused of a crime you didn't commit. Example: you buy gas at a Quick-Trip and 5 minutes after you leave, someone holds up the place - and your prints are on the counter. Your prints are processed and the police show up at your door and haul you away. If they don't have your prints, the likelihood of this type of thing is decreased. Is that an accurate assumption?

Assumption 2: The govt. can track your whereabouts. Example: Our government turns on the people and imprisons dissidents. Everyone posting on DU is on their wanted list and we all go into hiding. But an explosion in the use of taking prints could make it almost impossible to disappear. They can track your whereabouts and scoop you up in a blink.

Are there other reasons one would not want their prints on file? Also, is it correct to assume that once your prints are on file they'll be there indefinitely (no requirements to purge once the fine has been paid?).