National Crime Information Center
The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) is a comprehensive computer database managed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) that provides law enforcement agencies across the United States with vital criminal justice information. Established in the early 1970s, the NCIC contains an extensive collection of records related to various criminal justice topics, including missing persons, wanted individuals, stolen vehicles, and firearms, among others. This centralized system facilitates efficient information sharing and helps law enforcement agencies coordinate their efforts across jurisdictions.
To enhance its functionality, the NCIC has evolved into an online system known as NCIC-2000, enabling real-time searches and instant access to critical data, which contributes to reducing the incidence of false arrests. The NCIC has also been integrated with other systems like the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) and the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) through the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) division. This integration aims to streamline access to crime analysis data and incident reports while also supporting the development of standard practices for crime information collection. Furthermore, the CJIS division provides training and support to law enforcement officials, ensuring they have the resources necessary to effectively utilize the NCIC and related services.
National Crime Information Center
IDENTIFICATION: Federal agency with computerized index consisting of individuals and records
SIGNIFICANCE: The National Crime Information Center (NCIC), a powerful computer database maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), provides law enforcement with access to recorded criminal justice information through its computerized records and library collection. The NCIC allows agencies to gather cross-boundary criminal justice information efficiently.
Since its creation during the early 1970s, the National Crime Information Center has amassed a substantial collection of criminal justice databases. Topics covered in the databases include missing persons , wanted persons, stolen and recovered guns, stolen securities, stolen and recovered motor vehicles, stolen license plates, and other stolen articles. NCIC users are able to access these data when they need them. Users have expressed satisfaction with NCIC and have requested enhancements over time.
To enhance the NCIC, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has established NCIC-2000, which allows full on-line computer search and retrieval of crime incidents nationwide. Police officers can use it to check liens, images (such as photographs and fingerprints), license plates, and other routine items instantly. It is believed that this increased functionality helps reduce false arrests.
The FBI has merged NCIC with the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) and Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) to create the Criminal Justice Information Services division (CJIS).
The CJIS serves as a single source for state, local, and private law-enforcement officials seeking crime analysis data, incident information, and criminal imaging data. In addition, the division provides information services for the FBI and its direct enforcement divisions. Among the stated goals of the CJIS are to develop consistent crime information collection and recording standards and to develop and implement a strategy for assisting state and other users in creating linkages to the FBI’s computer systems. The CJIS also offers training and support services for federal, state, and local CJIS users.
Bibliography
Arnold, Janine T. "Inside the FBI's National Crime Info Center." Police Chief, 2022, www.policechiefmagazine.org/inside-the-fbi-cjis-equipping-officers-critical-information/. Accessed 8 July 2024.
Jacobson, Neill. "What Is National Crime Info Systems?" CPI OpenFox, 20 Mar. 2023, www.openfox.com/what-is-national-crime-information-systems/. Accessed 8 July 2024.
The National Crime Information Center and You. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation, 1976.
National Crime Information Center: The Investigative Tool: A Guide to the Use and Benefits of NCIC. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation, National Crime Information Center, 1984.
"NCIC Turns 50." FBI News, 27 Jan. 2017, www.fbi.gov/news/stories/ncic-turns-50. Accessed 8 July 2024.