The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) is a computerized index of criminal justice information maintained by the FBI.
It includes data such as:
- criminal history information
- wanted persons
- missing persons
- stolen property
- protection orders
NCIC is available to authorized criminal justice agencies at the federal, state, and local level and operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Purpose of NCIC
The purpose of NCIC is to provide a centralized system that allows criminal justice agencies to:
- access and share information quickly
- assist in identifying individuals
- support criminal investigations
- aid in the apprehension of offenders
- enhance officer and public safety
Access and Security
NCIC is not accessible to the public.
Access is strictly limited to authorized personnel. Information may only be accessed for official criminal justice purposes.
Where the Information Comes From
NCIC data is contributed by:
- the FBI
- federal agencies
- state and local law enforcement
- courts
- other authorized criminal justice agencies
Final Thought
NCIC is a critical tool used across all levels of law enforcement and the court system.
Accuracy, proper access, and responsible use are essential to maintaining the integrity of the system.

