According to FBI policy, fingerprint cards must be submitted to which entity first?

The correct answer is that fingerprint cards must first be submitted to the Department of Public Safety (DPS). The rationale behind this procedure is that the DPS serves as the central repository for criminal records in many states, including Texas. When fingerprints are taken for identification purposes, they are typically processed at the state level first, allowing the DPS to check against state databases for any existing records.

Once the fingerprint cards are processed by the DPS, they can then be forwarded to the FBI for federal processing if necessary. This two-step process ensures that both state and national databases can be checked effectively and efficiently, thereby enhancing the accuracy and reliability of criminal background checks.

Submitting directly to local police or state troopers may not facilitate this centralized processing system, which is essential for maintaining organized law enforcement records.