Ayup, but the plot point in particular was that they had fingerprints on file, but could not ask the person to confirm this (with new fingerprints). And having fingerprints on file doesn't do you any good if you think they're falsified, but can't compare them to the right-there person's fingerprints.
However, it does seem to be (at least in the US, from what the cops are saying) that you can't get fingerprints without charging the person, and you can't charge a person simply to clear them from the list of suspects. IOW: if you don't have reasonable enough (other) reason for charging them, you wouldn't be issued a warrant solely for the fingerprints. Word is that in such a case, you would just do your best to convince the person to fingerprint voluntarily.
no subject
Date: 6 Feb 2011 06:42 pm (UTC)However, it does seem to be (at least in the US, from what the cops are saying) that you can't get fingerprints without charging the person, and you can't charge a person simply to clear them from the list of suspects. IOW: if you don't have reasonable enough (other) reason for charging them, you wouldn't be issued a warrant solely for the fingerprints. Word is that in such a case, you would just do your best to convince the person to fingerprint voluntarily.