If a missing person record is retained indefinitely, what must occur for it to be cleared?

For a missing person record to be cleared, agency action to cancel the record is essential. This process ensures that the record is formally removed from the database, which is critical for maintaining the integrity and accuracy of the system. Federal guidelines typically require that missing person records remain active until they are confirmed resolved through a legitimate agency action, rather than simply allowing them to expire or be reviewed without direct action taken.

This is in line with the goal of ensuring that law enforcement agencies can effectively manage all records, particularly those related to missing individuals, which can impact investigations and community safety. Proper cancellation of these records keeps the database updated and ensures that available resources are directed towards current cases rather than outdated information.