NCIC Hit Confirmation and Second-Party Verification 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which NCIC feature was designed specifically to streamline the hit confirmation process between agencies?
- Compressed Structured Query Language (CSQL)
- Hit Confirmation Alert System
- Locate notification and administrative message capability (Correct answer)
- NCIC Direct Connect portal
Correct answer: Locate notification and administrative message capability
The locate notification and administrative message capability allows agencies to send and receive hit confirmation messages electronically through the NCIC network, streamlining the confirmation process.
NCIC's administrative message capability and locate notification feature enable agencies to electronically communicate about hits directly through the NCIC network. When an agency places a locate on a record, the originating agency receives an automatic notification. Agencies can then exchange administrative messages to confirm the record's status without relying solely on phone contact. This electronic capability reduces confirmation time, creates a documented communication trail within the NCIC system, and supports interagency coordination, particularly when time zones or staffing differences make phone contact challenging.
Question 2: In the context of NCIC hit confirmation, what does the term 'extradite' in the Wanted Person file indicate?
- The subject is a foreign national wanted by Interpol
- The entering agency's willingness to travel to retrieve the wanted person if apprehended in another jurisdiction (Correct answer)
- The subject has previously fled to avoid prosecution
- The warrant has been issued by a federal court
Correct answer: The entering agency's willingness to travel to retrieve the wanted person if apprehended in another jurisdiction
The extradite field in the Wanted Person file indicates the extent to which the entering agency is willing to travel to retrieve a wanted person apprehended outside their jurisdiction.
The extradition field in the NCIC Wanted Person file is a critical component of the hit confirmation process. It specifies whether the entering agency will extradite the wanted person from anywhere in the United States, from contiguous states only, or not at all. This information is essential for the apprehending agency — if the entering agency will not extradite, the apprehending agency may need to determine whether local charges exist or whether to simply note the hit. The extradition field must be accurately entered and confirmed during any hit response to guide enforcement decisions.
Question 3: What action must an agency take after receiving hit confirmation and releasing a wanted person due to local charges not warranting detention?
- No action is required after the subject is released
- Notify the originating agency of the subject's release and provide location information if known (Correct answer)
- Cancel the NCIC record on behalf of the originating agency
- Submit a mandatory report to the FBI CJIS Division
Correct answer: Notify the originating agency of the subject's release and provide location information if known
After releasing a confirmed wanted person, the apprehending agency must notify the originating agency so they can update their records and take any necessary follow-up action.
When an apprehending agency locates a confirmed NCIC wanted person but cannot hold them (e.g., extradition is declined for the offense, or no local charges exist), they are still required to notify the originating agency. This notification should include the subject's location, the circumstances of the encounter, and any relevant identifying information. This ensures the originating agency can pursue other means of apprehension, update their records, and coordinate with prosecutors. Failing to notify the originating agency leaves them unaware that their subject was located, potentially allowing the person to flee again.
Question 4: How does NCIC define a 'hit' versus a 'possible hit' during the hit confirmation process?
- A hit is any query response; a possible hit requires follow-up queries
- A possible hit is a computer-generated response indicating a potential match; a confirmed hit results after the originating agency verifies the record (Correct answer)
- A hit means the subject is in custody; a possible hit means they are under surveillance
- There is no distinction — all matches are confirmed hits
Correct answer: A possible hit is a computer-generated response indicating a potential match; a confirmed hit results after the originating agency verifies the record
A 'possible hit' is the initial computer-generated response indicating a potential match; it becomes a confirmed hit only after the originating agency verifies the record is still active and accurate.
NCIC deliberately uses the term 'possible hit' for the initial query response to remind officers that the match has not yet been confirmed. A positive query response means the computer has found a record with matching characteristics, but factors such as similar names, duplicate entries, or records that were not properly cancelled mean that not every possible hit is an active warrant or legitimate match. Only after the originating agency confirms that the record is current, accurate, and matches the subject in question does the possible hit become a confirmed hit on which enforcement action can be taken.
Question 5: When an NCIC hit is confirmed on a Protection Order, what specific information should the originating agency provide during confirmation?
- Only the subject's arrest history
- The current status of the order, any modifications, and the service status (Correct answer)
- The victim's current location and contact information
- The issuing judge's contact information
Correct answer: The current status of the order, any modifications, and the service status
For a confirmed Protection Order hit, the originating agency should provide the current status of the order, any modifications or extensions, and whether the order has been served on the restrained person.
When confirming a Protection Order hit, the originating agency must provide information that allows the inquiring officer to take appropriate action. The most critical details include: whether the order is still in effect (not expired or vacated), whether it has been modified since entry, and whether the restrained party has been served with the order. Service status is particularly important because enforcement of a protection order against an unserved respondent may be limited in some jurisdictions. The officer also needs to know the specific prohibitions of the order to determine what, if any, violation is occurring.
Question 6: Why is it important that the inquiring agency document its hit confirmation process?
- Documentation is optional and only required in felony cases
- Documentation creates an audit trail that supports legal proceedings and protects the officer from allegations of improper enforcement action (Correct answer)
- Documentation is required only when the subject is arrested
- Documentation is required only for federal warrant cases
Correct answer: Documentation creates an audit trail that supports legal proceedings and protects the officer from allegations of improper enforcement action
Documenting hit confirmation creates an audit trail that is essential for legal proceedings and protects officers and agencies from claims of wrongful arrest or improper conduct.
Thorough documentation of the hit confirmation process — including who was contacted, what information was provided, and when — is critical for several reasons. First, it provides evidence in criminal proceedings that the arrest was based on a valid, confirmed warrant, establishing probable cause. Second, it protects the officer and agency from civil liability claims of wrongful arrest by demonstrating that proper procedures were followed. Third, it supports NCIC audit processes by creating a verifiable record of compliant practices. Agencies should maintain logs of all hit confirmation contacts as part of standard records management.
NCIC Hit Confirmation and Second-Party Verification 3
Which NCIC feature was designed specifically to streamline the hit confirmation process between agencies?