About
Shatkin F.I.R.S.T., strategically located at 2495 Kensington Avenue in the heart of Amherst, New York, stands as a preeminent and pioneering firm in the specialized field of fingerprinting, identity verification, and secure credentialing services. Founded and led by Todd S. Shatkin, DDS, a respected professional with a deep-seated commitment to community service and security, the business has carved out a distinguished reputation for unparalleled accuracy, efficiency, and customer-centric care. The name itself—F.I.R.S.T.—encapsulates its core philosophy: Fingerprint, Identity, and Record Search Technology, signaling a focused expertise that few competitors can match. The company's history is rooted in recognizing a critical community need for accessible, reliable, and technologically advanced fingerprinting services required for a myriad of employment, licensing, and volunteer roles. Dr. Shatkin, leveraging his experience in building trusted healthcare practices, identified a gap in the market where individuals and businesses faced long waits, inconvenient locations, and inconsistent service quality for essential background checks. Thus, Shatkin F.I.R.S.T. was established to set a new standard, transforming a typically bureaucratic process into a streamlined, professional, and stress-free experience. The mission of Shatkin F.I.R.S.T. is unequivocal: to provide the most accurate, secure, and efficient fingerprinting and identity verification services in a welcoming environment, thereby empowering individuals to pursue their professional, educational, and personal goals without unnecessary delay or complication. This mission is driven by a profound understanding that behind every fingerprint is a person—a teacher seeking certification, a healthcare worker applying for a license, a volunteer wanting to coach, or an adoptive parent completing a home study. The business operates on the principle that facilitating these crucial steps with dignity and expertise is a vital community service. What truly sets Shatkin F.I.R.S.T. apart is its synthesis of cutting-edge technology with old-fashioned personalized service. The company utilizes Live Scan digital fingerprinting technology, which is the gold standard accepted by both the FBI and the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). This technology offers superior image quality, faster electronic submission, and more reliable results compared to traditional ink-and-roll methods. However, the firm's differentiator extends beyond its hardware. The staff at Shatkin F.I.R.S.T. are extensively trained not only in the technical aspects of capturing flawless fingerprints but also in customer service, ensuring that even individuals who may be anxious about the process are put at ease. Their expertise covers the specific requirements for hundreds of application types, from nursing licenses and teaching certifications to immigration forms and firearm permits, making them a versatile one-stop-shop. The unique value proposition lies in its commitment to convenience and reliability. The Amherst location is designed for easy access with ample parking. The firm is renowned for its flexible scheduling, often accommodating urgent requests, and its transparent process—clients are guided through each step, understand the fees, and receive clear instructions for follow-up. This proactive communication and dedication to getting it right the first time (a deliberate nod to the "FIRST" acronym) minimize rejections by agencies due to poor print quality, saving clients significant time, money, and frustration. In a landscape where similar services may be offered as a sideline in mailing centers or government offices with limited hours, Shatkin F.I.R.S.T. stands out as a dedicated, expert-led enterprise whose sole focus is identity services. It bridges the gap between the impersonal digital world and the human need for competent, reassuring guidance. By combining state-of-the-art technology, deep regulatory knowledge, and a genuine customer-first ethos, Shatkin F.I.R.S.T. has established itself not merely as a service provider, but as an essential partner in the professional and personal journeys of thousands across Western New York and beyond.
