A method, information processing system, and wireless communication system, initiate a handover scanning procedure with a wireless device. The method includes monitoring a first signal strength measurement (606) transmitted by a wireless device (108). A second signal strength measurement associated with the wireless device (108) that is measured locally is monitored (606). The method also includes determining, in response to monitoring the first signal strength and the second signal strength measurement, if a scan event trigger has been detected (608). A scan initiation message is transmitted (614) to the wireless device (108) in response to a scan event trigger being detected. The scan initiation message signals the wireless device (108) to perform handover scanning procedures.