What should be done when fingerprinting an arrestee with a defect or deformity?

When fingerprinting an arrestee who has a defect or deformity on a finger, it is essential to ensure that the fingerprints collected are accurate and comprehensive. Attaching a second fingerprint card specifically for the defected finger allows for a complete record of the individual’s fingerprints while addressing any issues that may arise from the deformity. This approach ensures that law enforcement has a proper representation of the individual’s identities, reducing the likelihood of confusion or misidentification in the future.

Using only one fingerprint card would not provide a full account of the fingerprints, risking incomplete identification that could be problematic in legal or administrative contexts. While using a digital scanner may offer convenience and may improve the collection of prints, it does not specifically address the issue of a defect or deformity; thus, it wouldn’t be sufficient in this situation alone. Collecting only a palm print would omit significant identification details and could hinder future identification processes. Therefore, utilizing an additional fingerprint card for the defected finger is the best practice in accordance with proper fingerprinting procedures.