Do Missing Persons Reports Include Fingerprints?
When a person is reported missing, the inclusion of fingerprints in the report depends on various circumstances and the practices of the involved law enforcement agency. This article explores the prevalence of fingerprints in missing persons reports, their utility, and the processes involved in such cases.
The Role of Fingerprints in Missing Persons Cases
Typically, law enforcement may collect fingerprints from individuals who are reported missing, particularly if the person has a criminal record or has previously interacted with the legal system. This is often done to aid in identification should the person be found deceased or under different circumstances. In cases involving children or vulnerable adults, agencies may actively seek and include fingerprints as part of their investigative process. Families may also voluntarily provide fingerprints of missing loved ones to assist with identification if needed.
Processes Involved in Locating Missing Persons
When law enforcement locates a missing person, a “locate” message is typically sent to the agency that originally filed the report. The initial reporter is usually notified that the person has been found, though the exact location may not be disclosed. It is important to note that being missing is not a crime; the main focus of the law enforcement agencies is to locate and ensure the safety of the individual.
One significant scenario where fingerprints may come into play is when an unidentified body is discovered. The agency responsible for recovering the body will obtain and send the fingerprints to the FBI for comparison. If the deceased individual has never been fingerprinted, there will be no match. In such cases, the agency will then attempt other methods of identification, such as physical dimensions, scars, tattoos, dental work, and more, to identify the person.
Practical Aspects of Fingerprinting in Law Enforcement
Fingerprints play a crucial role in many aspects of law enforcement, including background checks for people involved in the criminal justice process, international terrorists, and individuals working in certain sensitive positions. For example, the Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS) used by the FBI is a primary system for fingerprinting in the U.S.
However, in the context of missing persons cases, while fingerprints can be useful, they are not typically the primary focus or a major help in locating the missing individual. They can be used to narrow down suspects or prove that a person was present in a specific area if fingerprints are found and linked to a particular location. Nevertheless, to even obtain fingerprints, the police would need a reason to search a particular area, an individual's belongings, or their dwelling.
Fingerprints are known for their non-permanence and can easily degrade or be removed. Therefore, they are only useful if they already exist in the IAFIS system. However, a body that has been found is usually fingerprinted if it is not too badly decomposed, aiding in identification and corroborating other evidence.
Conclusion
The inclusion of fingerprints in missing persons reports is not a universal practice and varies by case and jurisdiction. While fingerprints can be a valuable tool in certain scenarios, their usefulness depends on specific circumstances and the practicality of obtaining and comparing prints. Familiarity with the local law enforcement procedures and the existence of relevant background information are key factors in determining the utility of fingerprints in such cases.
Additional Resources
For individuals interested in learning more about missing persons cases and fingerprinting in law enforcement, the following resources may be helpful:
FBI Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS) National Institute of Justice: Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs)