Specific File Requirements: Missing and Unidentified Persons Flashcards

Under the National Child Search Assistance Act, what is the mandatory waiting period before law enforcement may enter a missing child under age 18 into NCIC?

Answer: There is no waiting period — entry is immediate upon report

The National Child Search Assistance Act prohibits law enforcement from imposing any waiting period before entering a missing child under 18 into NCIC — entry must be immediate upon receipt of a report.

Which NCIC file is used to enter information about a living person of unknown identity — such as someone who cannot communicate due to injury or disability?

Answer: Unidentified Person file

The Unidentified Person file is used for living individuals of unknown identity as well as for unidentified human remains.

What categories of persons may be entered into the NCIC Missing Person file?

Answer: Endangered, involuntary, juvenile, disabled, and catastrophe victims

The NCIC Missing Person file has five categories: endangered, involuntary, juvenile (under 18), disabled (any age), and catastrophe victims.

When a missing person case is resolved and the individual is located, who is responsible for cancelling the NCIC Missing Person record?

Answer: The originating agency that entered the missing person record

The originating agency that entered the missing person record is responsible for cancelling it once the person has been located, whether found safe or otherwise.

What dental record information can be entered into the NCIC Missing Person and Unidentified Person files to assist in identification?

Answer: Dental characteristics coded in the NCIC dental notification format, plus attached dental images

NCIC allows entry of dental characteristics using a standardized coding system, and dental images (X-rays, photographs) can be attached to Missing and Unidentified Person records.

What is the 'critical data' requirement for entering an adult missing person into NCIC under the 'endangered' category?

Answer: The entry must include specific facts indicating why the person is believed to be in danger of bodily harm or death

For the 'endangered' category, the entry must include specific articulable facts indicating why the agency believes the missing person is in danger — not just a general concern that they might be unsafe.