What type of inquiry involves using physical descriptors without needing a name?

The correct answer pertains to a type of inquiry where physical descriptors, such as a person's appearance or characteristics, are utilized to gather information without requiring the individual's name. This method is essential in situations where names are unavailable or unknown, allowing law enforcement and related agencies to investigate and cross-reference available data based on observable traits.

In this context, a non-unique identifier inquiry focuses on characteristics that are not specific enough to uniquely identify a person but can still provide significant leads based on multiple potential matches. Such descriptors can include height, weight, hair color, and any distinctive markings. This type of inquiry is particularly helpful when identifying suspects or missing persons based on observed features.

Other types of inquiries typically rely on precise identifiers, such as a name or a unique identifier, making them less effective in scenarios where only physical characteristics are at hand. Thus, non-unique identifier inquiries serve a vital function in law enforcement by broadening the scope of investigation in cases where standard identification methods are not applicable.