NCIC, the National Crime Information Center, was
launched in 1967 with five files and 356,784 records. By 2009, the records
numbered over 15 million records.
Today, the files include information on
stolen property and persons of interest, from missing persons and identity
theft victims to gang members and foreign fugitives. Also included in NCIC is a
National Dental Image file that is used to identify people by dental records.
A law enforcement officer sitting in his
squad car can use his MDT to search NCIC when he makes a traffic stop. The
officer will check for vehicle information, whether it is reported stolen or if
the owner has outstanding warrants.
Because requests submitted to NCIC are
processed immediately, the officer has an idea of what to expect before
approaching a situation. Depending on the data received, it gives the officer
the opportunity to request backup, if necessary.
Regardless of the type of request, a positive
response from NCIC is first verified for accuracy and status update, to assure the
information is current. Once confirmed, the officer can take required action,
such as returning a missing person, or recovering stolen property (and, as they
say on television, arresting the perp’s a**.)
Nice post, making it happen...
ReplyDeleteJeremy [Retro-Zombie]
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Really interesting, and important, post. Glad I visited.
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Thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much for your much appreciated comments. Great meeting you!
ReplyDeleteI had no idea what database police officers checked. Very interesting post! :)
ReplyDeleteFor the officers the information can save theirs or someone else's life since they know what their walking into. My brother knows first hand! Great post.
ReplyDeleteMy up close and personal contact with the police was when I was carjacked, at night in my carport. The car came equipped with OnStar, which enabled the police to track and find it within 30 minutes of being stolen. Course it was a few days before I had it back as they had to take it to their crime garage. Within 3 days they had photos for me to look at. So their files are very current and up to date!
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