NCIC

Government & Politics abbreviation · Police

NCIC
Stands forNational Crime Information Center
CategoriesGovernment & Politics

NCIC stands for National Crime Information Center, a police abbreviation.

FBI-run computerized database of criminal justice information, including wanted persons, missing persons, stolen vehicles, stolen guns and protective orders, accessible to police agencies nationwide. Officers query it during traffic stops and arrests.

Example: The plate check through NCIC showed the trailer had been reported stolen in Ohio.

Usage notes

Launched in 1967 with a few files and now handles millions of transactions a day. Accuracy depends on local agencies entering and clearing records promptly, and errors have led to wrongful arrests. Access is controlled and audited under FBI security policies.

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