Thumbprinting for Pawnshop Clients Approved

The Los Angeles Police Commission voted Tuesday to obtain thumbprints of anyone pawning or selling used merchandise in the city.

Thumbprinting--which will begin in 60 days--will be mandatory at all pawnbroking and secondhand merchandise establishments, and is intended to restrict sale of stolen goods, Commission Secretary William G. Cowdin said.

“A person might think twice about trying to raise money on a stolen television set if he has to leave his thumbprint for the police,” he explained.

Cowdin said the measure, proposed by the Police Department and passed by unanimous vote of the commission, is largely based on one now in effect in San Francisco.

“It has been quite successful there,” Cowdin said, “and would appear to involve a rather minor amount of additional paper work for a maximum of effect.”

People who pawn merchandise in Los Angeles are already required to give their names and addresses, and to present identification, such as a valid driver license or Department of Motor Vehicles registration card.

The new measure, while not a law, can be enforced because pawnbrokers and many dealers in used merchandise operate under permits that are issued and renewed by the commission, Cowdin explained.

“The 60-day waiting period,” he said, “is to allow time for the Pawnbrokers Assn. or anyone else who might have a serious objection to make their views known to the commission.”