New Jersey § 52:17b-215

Full text of New Jersey New Jersey Statutes § 52:17b-215, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 52:17b-215.

a. The law enforcement agency shall notify the person making the report, a family

member, or any other person in a position to assist the law enforcement agency in

its efforts to locate the missing person by providing to that person or family member: (1) general information about the handling of the missing person case or about intended

efforts in the case to the extent that the law enforcement agency determines that

disclosure would not adversely affect its ability to locate or protect the missing

person, to apprehend or to prosecute any persons criminally involved in the disappearance; (2) information advising the person making the report and other involved persons that

if the missing person remains missing, they should contact the law enforcement agency

to provide additional information and materials that will aid in locating the missing

person, such as any credit or debit cards the missing person has access to, other

banking or financial information and any records of cell phone use; (3) in those cases where DNA samples are requested, the law enforcement agency shall

notify the person or family member that all such DNA samples are provided on a voluntary

basis and shall be used solely to help locate or identify the missing person and shall

not be used for any other purpose; and (4) the law enforcement agency, upon acceptance of a missing person report, shall

inform the person filing the report that there are two clearing houses for missing

person's information. If the person reported missing is age 17 or under, the person filing the report

shall be provided with contact information for the National Center for Missing and

Exploited Children. If the person reported missing is age 18 or older, the person filing the report

shall be provided with contact information for the National Center for Missing Adults. b. If the person identified in the missing person report remains missing for 30 days,

and the additional information and materials specified below have not been received,

the law enforcement agency shall attempt to obtain: (1) DNA samples from family members and, if possible, from the missing person along

with any needed documentation, including any consent forms, required for the use of

State or federal DNA databases; (2) dental information and x-rays, and an authorization to release dental or skeletal

x-rays of the missing person; (3) any additional photographs of the missing person that may aid the investigation

or an identification. The law enforcement agency shall not be required to obtain written authorization

before it releases publicly any photograph that would aid in the investigation or

identification of the missing person; and (4) fingerprints. c. All DNA samples obtained in missing persons cases shall be immediately forwarded

to the New Jersey Forensic DNA Laboratory for analysis. The laboratory shall establish procedures for determining how to prioritize analysis

of the samples relating to missing persons cases. d. Information relevant to the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Violent Criminal

Apprehension Program shall be entered as soon as possible. e. Nothing is this section shall be construed to preclude a law enforcement agency

from obtaining any of the materials identified in this section before the 30th day

following the filing of the missing person report.

Frequently Asked Questions About New Jersey § 52:17b-215

What does New Jersey Statutes § 52:17b-215 cover?

Section 52:17b-215 is part of the New Jersey Statutes, the codified statutory law of New Jersey. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite New Jersey § 52:17b-215?

A common citation format is "New Jersey Statutes § 52:17b-215" (New Jersey). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of New Jersey law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the New Jersey official source linked on this page or consult a licensed New Jersey attorney.

How does New Jersey § 52:17b-215 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in New Jersey can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in New Jersey.