NCIC Specific File Requirements: Stolen Vehicles and License Plates 2

Question 1

What is the minimum information required to enter a stolen vehicle into the NCIC Stolen Vehicle file?

Accepted Answer

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), make, model, year, and license plate number

Answer

At minimum, a stolen vehicle NCIC entry requires the VIN, make, model, year, and license plate number to create a record that can be effectively matched.

Question 2

Under NCIC policy, what must an agency verify before entering a stolen vehicle record into the system?

Accepted Answer

That a theft report has been filed, the vehicle meets entry criteria, and the owner has been advised the vehicle will be entered into NCIC

Answer

Before NCIC entry, the agency must have a filed theft report, confirm the vehicle meets entry requirements, and advise the owner that the vehicle is being entered into NCIC.

Question 3

What should an officer do when they stop a vehicle and receive an NCIC hit indicating the vehicle's VIN is reported stolen but the license plates are different from those on the NCIC record?

Accepted Answer

Treat the VIN hit as a possible hit, seek confirmation from the originating agency, and investigate the plate discrepancy as a potential plate switch

Answer

A VIN hit should be treated as a possible stolen vehicle regardless of plate discrepancies — thieves commonly switch license plates. Confirmation must be obtained before taking enforcement action.

Question 4

What information is required for entry into the NCIC Stolen License Plate file?

Accepted Answer

License plate number, issuing state, and plate type (e.g., passenger, commercial)

Answer

NCIC Stolen License Plate entries require the plate number, the issuing state, and the plate type to create an identifiable record.

Question 5

If a stolen vehicle is recovered by the owner personally (not by law enforcement), what obligation does the owner have?

Accepted Answer

The owner must notify the law enforcement agency that took the theft report so the NCIC record can be cancelled

Answer

When an owner recovers their stolen vehicle, they must notify the reporting law enforcement agency so the NCIC record can be promptly cancelled and prevent any further enforcement action based on the stale record.

NCIC - National Crime Information Center Certification Practice Test

NCIC - National Crime Information Center Certification Practice Test

NCIC Specific File Requirements: Stolen Vehicles and License Plates 2