How to Get Information From NCIC
updated October 13, 2011
The National Crime Information Center, commonly referred to as NCIC, is a government organization, maintained by a branch of the FBI called the Criminal Justice Information Services Division. It was created in the 1960s by the legendary FBI director J. Edgar Hoover. Today it consists of an electronic database that is updated by local, state and regional law enforcement agencies as a clearinghouse of information about domestic criminal records, including corrections registration, warrants and convictions.
- Difficulty:
- Challenging
Instructions
-
-
1
Obtain an application from a registered organization that works with law enforcement agencies for a background check. If the information you're requesting is about yourself, you can contact the FBI directly for NCIC database information, provided you have adequate personal identification.
-
2
Write your submission essay, based on the nature and purpose of your inquiry. NCIC information is restricted to certain channels on a "need to know" basis, so your application must be carefully worded in order to obtain the information you desire to know.
-
3
Submit your application and credentials, along with the application fee, to the appropriate law enforcement agency. The information either comes in paper copy or as access to secure government Internet sites.
-
1
References
- FBI.gov: Indentification Record Request/Criminal Background Check
- Bureau of Consular Affairs: Criminal Record Checks