How does NCIC define an unidentified person?

The definition of an unidentified person, as outlined by the NCIC, encompasses individuals who are either unknown deceased or living persons. This classification is critical for law enforcement and investigative purposes, as it helps to identify individuals who may not have been reported as missing or may not have identifiable information.

The importance of this definition lies in the capacity to handle cases where identification is necessary but the individual has not yet been recognized or connected to an existing legal identity. For example, circumstances may arise where a living person is found, but their identity is unknown due to various reasons such as memory loss, absence of identification, or other extenuating circumstances. The same applies to deceased persons who are not identified, which is crucial for records and legal follow-ups.

This definition aids law enforcement agencies in collating crucial data that assists in finding missing person matches or identifying deceased individuals, thereby facilitating justice and closure for families.