FOLLANSBEE - The city's police department could adopt a high-tech means of fingerprinting criminal defendants, pending Follansbee City Council's approval.

City Police Chief John Schwertfeger asked council to consider providing about $8,000 for a computerized fingerprinting system in which an infrared light would be used to create an image that may be stored in a digital database.

Schwertfeger said city police could use their laptop computers to access the prints, which are said to be clearer than prints produced with ink pads.

He said a likeness of each print also can be reproduced with a computer printer, so the department would have a paper copy of the prints also.

Mayor Tony Paesano said the equipment could be used both in investigating crimes and to meet an increasing demand for fingerprints required for criminal background checks needed for residents seeking certain professional positions.

Council is expected to consider the request at its next regular meeting at 7 p.m. Monday at the Follansbee City Building.

(Scott can be contacted at wscott@heraldstaronline.com.)