NCIC Purpose Codes and Dissemination 3

Question 1

Purpose code 'J' is used when conducting a background check for what type of purpose?

Accepted Answer

Criminal justice employment

Answer

Purpose code 'J' is used when conducting a background check for criminal justice employment — for positions within law enforcement agencies, courts, or other criminal justice entities.

Question 2

What is the consequence under federal law for an individual who knowingly accesses NCIC for an unauthorized purpose?

Accepted Answer

Criminal penalties including fines and imprisonment under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act and applicable NCIC statutes

Answer

Knowingly unauthorized access to NCIC can result in criminal prosecution, fines, and imprisonment under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act and relevant criminal justice information statutes.

Question 3

Which purpose code would be used when conducting a CHRI inquiry for a firearms transfer background check through NICS?

Accepted Answer

Purpose code F

Answer

Purpose code 'F' is used for firearms-related background checks, including those conducted in connection with the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).

Question 4

What does the principle of 'completeness' require of agencies when entering information into NCIC?

Accepted Answer

Agencies must include all relevant mandatory fields and supplement arrest records with final dispositions when available

Answer

Completeness requires agencies to fill all mandatory fields in NCIC entries and to follow up arrest records with final dispositions so that records accurately reflect the current status of cases.

Question 5

When may a criminal justice agency legally access NCIC to obtain CHRI about a private citizen who has filed a complaint with that agency?

Accepted Answer

When there is a legitimate law enforcement reason, such as verifying the complainant's identity or ensuring the officer's safety during a follow-up contact

Answer

A criminal justice agency may access CHRI on a complainant when there is a legitimate, documented law enforcement need — such as identity verification or officer safety — and the query falls within an authorized criminal justice purpose.

NCIC - National Crime Information Center Certification Practice Test

NCIC - National Crime Information Center Certification Practice Test

NCIC Purpose Codes and Dissemination 3