Which statement about the handling of DJJ fingerprints and photographs is true?

• A. They are confidential
• B. They are publicly accessible
• C. They are shared with any law enforcement agency without restriction
• D. They are destroyed after 30 days

Answer: (A)

Fingerprints and photographs collected by DJJ are treated with privacy protections. They are confidential records whose access is strictly limited to authorized personnel and for specific legal purposes, such as agency operations or court proceedings. They are not made publicly accessible, and they aren’t shared freely with law enforcement agencies without proper authorization or a valid legal basis. Retention and destruction follow formal records schedules rather than a blanket rule like destroying after a fixed period, and some records may be sealed or expunged under applicable laws. This approach prioritizes juvenile privacy and opportunities for rehabilitation while still allowing use in legitimate legal processes.