DAF Form 179: Apprehension/Arrest Notification Form (2026)

DAF Form 179: Apprehension/Arrest Notification Form (2026) – The DAF Form 179, officially titled the Apprehension/Arrest Notification Form, is a key Department of the Air Force (DAF) document used by Air Force Security Forces (AFSF) and Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) personnel. It notifies individuals of their apprehension or arrest and supports criminal indexing processes when probable cause exists for indexable offenses.

This form (previously known as AF Form 179 or AFOSI Form 174) plays an important role in documenting notifications during law enforcement interactions involving DAF military members, ensuring compliance with federal privacy requirements and criminal history reporting procedures.

What Is DAF Form 179 Used For?

DAF Form 179 serves as the official arrest notification card provided to the subject/offender. Its primary purposes include:

  • Informing the individual that their fingerprints and related data are being submitted to the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) for criminal history record creation.
  • Documenting that the person received notification of the apprehension/arrest.
  • Maintaining a record in the investigative case file for accountability and review by the Air Force Criminal Justice Information Center (AFCJIC, now often referred to as DAF-CJIC).

It is typically completed and provided when probable cause is established for an indexable offense and the FD-249 fingerprint card is submitted to CJIS. If probable cause develops later in an investigation, the form is provided at that time.

A companion form, DAF Form 178 (Affidavit for Apprehension/Arrest), documents the probable cause narrative. Together, these forms support lawful processing under DAFMAN 71-102, Air Force Criminal Indexing.

Note: The form includes a Privacy Act statement consistent with DoDI 5400.11 to inform individuals about the collection and use of their personal data.

Who Uses DAF Form 179?

  • Air Force Security Forces (AFSF) and AFOSI agents (military and, in limited cases, civilian) who conduct apprehensions or arrests.
  • It applies across the Department of the Air Force, including the U.S. Space Force.
  • The form is used for subjects/offenders who are typically DAF military members subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).

Civilian subjects are generally turned over to appropriate civilian law enforcement agencies, and different procedures may apply.

Key Procedures Involving DAF Form 179 (from DAFMAN 71-102)

According to official guidance in DAFMAN 71-102 (July 21, 2020, with updates):

  1. Probable Cause Determination: Law enforcement officers (LEOs) document probable cause on DAF Form 178.
  2. Fingerprint Submission: For indexable offenses, fingerprints (FD-249) are collected via Livescan and submitted to CJIS.
  3. Notification: The subject receives a completed DAF Form 179. A copy with original signatures stays in the case file.
  4. Refusal Handling: If the individual refuses to sign or accept the form, the refusal is annotated on the form, a copy is still provided (or routed via legal channels to the Area Defense Counsel if needed), and the original is maintained in the file.
  5. Review: Completed forms are available for DAF-CJIC review.

The form ensures transparency and compliance with DoD privacy and civil liberties programs.

How to Download the Official DAF Form 179?

The current official version of DAF Form 179 is available as a fillable PDF directly from the Department of the Air Force e-Publishing system:

→ Download DAF Form 179 PDF: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/saf_ig/form/daf179/daf179.pdf

Always obtain forms from the official Air Force e-Publishing website (e-publishing.af.mil) to ensure you have the latest revision. The edition date referenced in guidance is July 30, 2020 (transition from AF to DAF numbering).

Tip for USAF Personnel: Check your installation’s Security Forces or AFOSI detachment for local procedures, as they handle completion and distribution.

What Information Does the Form Typically Capture?

While the exact layout is in the PDF, DAF Form 179 generally includes fields for:

  • Subject’s full name, rank/grade, SSN (or DoD ID), unit, and contact details.
  • Date, time, and location of apprehension/arrest.
  • Offense details or reason for action.
  • Notification acknowledgment (signature of subject and issuing officer).
  • Privacy Act acknowledgment.

Exact block instructions are printed on the form itself. Law enforcement personnel receive specific training on accurate completion to support indexing and potential courts-martial or administrative actions.

  • DAF Form 178: Affidavit for Apprehension/Arrest (probable cause documentation).
  • FD-249: FBI fingerprint card submitted to CJIS.
  • DAF Form 239: Offense Disposition Report (used for final dispositions).
  • DAFMAN 71-102: Air Force Criminal Indexing – Primary governing manual.
  • DAFI 71-101 Volume 1: Criminal Investigations and Counterintelligence.

These documents work together to ensure proper criminal history reporting while protecting individual rights.

Why Is Proper Use of DAF Form 179 Important?

Accurate use of the form:

  • Protects the rights of the individual through required notifications.
  • Supports national criminal justice information systems (CJIS/NICS).
  • Helps maintain good order and discipline within the Department of the Air Force.
  • Ensures records are auditable for legal or administrative follow-on actions.

Failure to follow procedures can affect case integrity, indexing accuracy, or compliance with DoD privacy rules.

Need Help with DAF Form 179?

  • Active Duty / Space Force Members: Contact your local Security Forces squadron, AFOSI detachment, or Staff Judge Advocate (SJA) office.
  • Commanders and Supervisors: Refer to DAFMAN 71-102 and coordinate with legal and law enforcement professionals.
  • General Questions: Visit the official Air Force e-Publishing site for the most current forms and publications.

Important Disclaimer: This article provides general information based on publicly available Department of the Air Force publications as of 2026. It is not legal advice. Procedures can be updated, and local policies may vary. Always consult official sources, your chain of command, or qualified legal counsel for specific situations.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, download the form and governing manual directly from e-publishing.af.mil.

This guide is intended for U.S.-based Air Force and Space Force personnel seeking clear, official information on DAF Form 179 procedures.