What standard does the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children set for clothing descriptions?

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children emphasizes the importance of providing detailed and structured clothing descriptions to aid in the identification of missing persons, particularly children. By starting with the outer layer of clothing, such as jackets or coats, the description ensures that the most visible items are prioritized, as these are likely the first elements someone would notice. This systematic approach helps law enforcement and the public to quickly recognize and identify the individual in question.

Detailing the outer layer first sets a clearer context before moving to inner layers and accessories, which might not be immediately visible. This hierarchy in presenting clothing information aids in creating a more comprehensive visual image that enhances the chances of recognition. Focusing solely on color or on being vague would not provide enough information for effective identification, while ending with accessories, though part of a detailed description, might not highlight the most important aspects first. Thus, starting with the outer layer is the most effective method for constructing clothing descriptions.