What is the retention period for wanted person records in NCIC?

The retention period for wanted person records in NCIC is considered unlimited. This reflects the principle that certain records, particularly those related to individuals who are currently wanted by law enforcement, should remain in the system as long as they are relevant to ongoing investigations or public safety.

Having an unlimited retention helps ensure that law enforcement agencies can access critical information about wanted individuals, which is essential for ensuring community safety and assisting in the apprehension of suspects. Records are kept in NCIC to support law enforcement efforts, streamline the sharing of information, and provide a comprehensive database that officers can access in real-time during their duties.

Other retention periods, such as one year or ten years, would not adequately support the ongoing needs of law enforcement for records that could be relevant indefinitely until a case is resolved or the wanted status is lifted. The idea of permanence also aligns with the mission of NCIC, which is to provide timely and necessary information to law enforcement agencies across the country.