By NICOLE CARTRETTE
Staff Writer

Fingerprinting involves a lot more than ink pads these days.

While the newer, more sophisticated equipment is capable of scanning palms and fingers and simultaneously running the prints through multiple national and state databases, it doesn’t come cheap.

A $57,000 expense county administration listed as “fencing, etc.” in figures for completing the jail project puzzled Commissioner James Prevatte at meetings held last month to tour and discuss the multi-million dollar facility. “I don’t see $57,000 worth of fence,” Prevatte declared at the meeting.

Sheriff Chris Batten pointed out that a fingerprinting machine was needed for the new jail because the older machine currently being used is virtually obsolete parts are becoming difficult to find and are discontinued. He said that the new machine would cost $45,000.

While commissioners may not appreciate that it wasn’t exactly clear that they were paying for a fingerprint machine, the system is $55,000 cheaper than a system purchased more than 10 years ago and is Internet capable.

“It is a scan-type of machine,” Batten explained, pointing out prints can be checked with various other agencies. He added that the “state has purchased the machine for use with the State Bureau of Investigation.”

Batten said he compared prices of other machines. “Some of them are a little cheaper but don’t have the functions that this one does,” Batten said, pointing out it is the same system used in Brunswick, New Hanover, Pender and Bladen counties.

“All sheriff offices have them except maybe 18 in the western part of the state,” he said.

Major Bill Ingram pointed out that the previous machine was purchased 12 years ago and was more difficult to use.

“This one is much more user friendly and eliminates a lot of mistakes,” Ingram said. “It uses much better technology.”

Matchpoint by Crossmatch is an FBI-approved network and compatible with all states. The system is expected to increase the effectiveness of identifying criminals and reduce the time spent on processing inmates.