What does an NCIC hit signify?

An NCIC hit signifies that there is a match between the information checked in the National Crime Information Center database and certain data on a subject or property, which may include warrants, stolen property, or missing persons. However, it is crucial to understand that an NCIC hit alone does not provide sufficient grounds for law enforcement to make an arrest.

This is because the hit only indicates that there is potentially relevant information found in the database, but it does not establish all the necessary legal requirements for an arrest, such as probable cause. Probable cause involves a higher standard of evidence, which often requires corroborating evidence or context beyond the information that the NCIC provides. Therefore, while an NCIC hit can guide officers to investigate a case further or evaluate circumstances, it cannot be the sole basis for making an arrest without additional supporting evidence.