Before sending out a Locate, what must officers ensure about the subject?

Before sending out a Locate, it is crucial for officers to ensure that the subject is in custody. This requirement is significant because the purpose of a Locate is typically to track or locate individuals who are involved in criminal cases or investigations, often for law enforcement purposes. When a subject is in custody, it means that they are formally arrested and under the legal authority of law enforcement, which justifies the dissemination of information regarding their whereabouts.

Having the subject in custody also ensures that their rights and legal procedures are being adhered to, as it is important for law enforcement to engage with individuals in a manner that is consistent with legal standards. This practice protects the integrity of the investigation and the process that follows, ensuring that the subject's rights are not violated when the Locate is conducted.

Other options, while they may have relevance in certain contexts, do not directly relate to the protocol for issuing a Locate in NCIC. Legal representation, valid identification, and awareness of rights may be considerations in broader interactions with subjects, but they do not specifically pertain to the necessity of being in custody for the purpose of initiating a Locate.