Drivers Could Be Fingerprinted During Traffic Stops In Tennessee

MEMPHIS, TN -- State lawmakers in Tennessee are considering a bill that would allow officers to collect drivers’ fingerprints if they are cited during a traffic stop.  The prints would only be used during a traffic stop and erased if no criminal matches are found.

Backers of the measure say it would help law enforcement officers get more criminals off the streets. Memphis Criminal Attorney Joe Ozment says if the bill becomes a law, it will eventually lead to an invasion of privacy.

“Certainly I believe that later on they will change the law to where those fingerprints gathered through this process will be used for any purpose which will result in an invasion of your privacy,” said Ozment.

State Senators will vote on the bill May 19, 2009. A companion bill passed in the house earlier this month. If it does become law, it will take effect July 1, 2009.

So far, the Memphis Police Department, Bartlett Police Department, and the Shelby County Sheriff's Office have no plans to implement this procedure if the bill becomes law.