What should be done if no information is available about a deceased person?

Taking a photo of the John or Jane Doe is a crucial step when no information is available about a deceased person. This approach helps in visually documenting the individual for identification purposes. It becomes particularly useful in cases where the deceased may be recognized by someone who sees the photo, whether through social media, public announcements, or during citizen engagement efforts.

Photographs can be disseminated quickly through various channels, helping to gather leads from the public or identify the deceased through family members and friends. This action plays a significant role in resolving the situation more efficiently, and it is often one of the first steps taken by authorities to attempt to establish the identity of unclaimed bodies.

While identifying individuals by fingerprints, conducting a family search, or filing a missing person report may also be parts of a comprehensive identification strategy, taking a photo is often the immediate and practical step that can lead to a quicker resolution. It serves as a point of contact between law enforcement, the community, and the families who may be searching for their loved ones, enhancing communication and identification processes.