Dep. Jim Bowie knew the driver he stopped for running a stop sign at Sashabaw Road and Bella Rose Boulevard, 8 p.m., April 8, was lying about his identity.
Since the 27-year-old Waterford Township man failed to produce a driver’s license, Bowie could call his bluff by checking his fingerprints. A few months ago, that would have meant a drive to Oakland County Sheriff’s Office headquarters in Pontiac.
But instead, Bowie pulled a MP3 size device out of his belt and checked the driver’s fingerprints right there on the side of Sashabaw Road.
“I think this is probably one of the most useful tools we’ve received in a while,” Bowie said, April 16. “It’s very helpful.”
The Clemis Web ID system, funded on a trial basis through a federal grant, uses Bluetooth technology to link up with criminal databases.
“It checks fingerprints against the criminal data system for wants and warrants,” Bowie said. “If there’s a hit, it comes up with warrant information and a picture.”
Use of the device is subject to normal search and seizure laws, he said.
“We can’t use it randomly to fingerprint people,” he said.
Caught by the fingerprint system, the Waterford Township man admitted he tried to pass off his brother’s name as his own. He had a criminal bench warrant out of Oakland County for disorderly conduct, expired driver’s license, and three license suspensions. He was cited for driving with a suspended license and lying to police.