What are agencies responsible for entering records into NCIC required to maintain?

Agencies responsible for entering records into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) are required to maintain accuracy, timeliness, and completeness.

Accuracy ensures that the information entered into the system is correct and reflects the true status of individuals or objects being reported, which is crucial for law enforcement agencies that rely on this data for decision-making and operations. Timeliness refers to the need for these records to be updated as quickly as possible, especially when new information arises that could change a person's status or the details of a case. Completeness relates to providing all necessary information in the records, which helps ensure that law enforcement officers have a full understanding of each case when accessing the system.

The combination of these three elements—accuracy, timeliness, and completeness—is essential for maintaining the integrity of the NCIC database and for ensuring that it serves its intended purpose effectively. This helps to prevent errors that could lead to wrongful arrests or mishandling of cases, thereby fostering a more reliable system for public safety.