QUOTE(longtabber PE @ Nov 23 2008, 01:53 PM)

The article doesnt really clarify it but it makes it appear that the officer was called out in an official capacity. Even if not- theres no reason for an officer ( even on personal time) to not put his name on it because the line officer is not making an "identification" but simply collecting evidence. So if it was an "official" call out and he took evidence but didnt sign his name- he needs to be fired. Also- just given the "size" this full hand should be. ( it does say full set with palms)- that would be more than enough tor a legitimate follow up

Unfortunately, longtabber PE, I think there is often a difference between holding to strict protocol and finding ways around it - "Oh, did I smear that print? Dang it all. Um... oh here's another... geez I can't believe I slipped again... Oh, well, that's scotched it. Tell you what, if you get any more evidence, give me a call. Always happy to be of service."
I remember back around 1971-72 the police department in Bellingham, Washington began broadcasting pre-recorded BF calls from their mobile PA systems as they drove their cruisers through the city streets at night. Because there had been a lot of really alarmed citizens due to no small number of monster sightings right up close in their backyards, I think the police department's approach was to trivialize and so defuse the public's concerns. So the TV and radio news crews started following these wailing police units around the neighborhoods and turned the whole thing into a fun, ridicule-based, whacko circus story that everyone could laugh at. And the tactic did seem to belay most of the concerns. I was living in Vancouver, B.C. at the time and took delight in turning on the 6 o'clock news to catch the latest BF news from both Blaine and Bellingham. It lasted all summer and probably in the end was really good for their tourism budget. But, truthfully, I have to admit that was back in the day when almost nobody took BF or sasquatch stories as anything other than pure fancy.
Dudlow