Expert: Loren Stevens - 10/31/2007

Question
what are the things that criminals wear around their necks or hold up when taking a picture for the files?

Answer
Hello Collette,
Great question. It shows you pay attention to detail, as you sharpen your observation skills.
Actually, the numbers you refer to are suspect identification numbers, assigned to this person in perpituity, for that jurisdiction/state.
Along with this suspect ID number, will typically be the agency name, and the date.
This name and number will be maintained in the city-county and state computer systems. These systems include a great deal of other information as well, like DOB, major case prints and classification, referred to as FPC, his/her physical, criminal history etc.
There is also a cross reference to other state and federal indices and computer net work systems.
The BIGGIE of systems for the USA, is the NCIC system, (National Crime Information Center)
You might also like to know, that an arrestee cannot refuse to be photographed, as this is not a 5th amendment issue.
Also, the person being arrested is usually referred to as the "suspect" or "arrestee" up until arraignment. After that process, the person is then referred to as a "defendant."
Hope this is helpful to you.
Good Luck, and Regards,
loren