When a finger is missing, deformed, or otherwise abnormal, what should the officer do?

• A. Make a notation in the box where that finger should go explaining the reason the print is missing
• B. Leave the box blank
• C. Reprint using a different technique
• D. Mark as N/A

Answer: (A)

In fingerprint records, every finger’s status needs to be clearly documented. When a finger is missing, deformed, or otherwise unusable, you should write a brief note in the box for that finger explaining why the print can’t be taken. This keeps the record accurate and transparent, showing investigators exactly why that print isn’t available and prevents any assumption that the card was incomplete or intentionally skipped. It also guides future comparisons by indicating which finger was not printed and why. You may still capture prints from the other fingers or use alternative methods, but the key is to document the missing finger directly in its box.