When is a $.H. message sent?

A $.H. message is specifically sent when a hit response occurs from a transaction. In the context of the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), a hit response refers to the situation where the queried data matches an existing record in the NCIC database. The $.H. message serves as a notification to the agency that a potential match or "hit" has been found, prompting further investigation or action based on the information retrieved.

This process is crucial for law enforcement and other agencies as it directly relates to identifying individuals or items associated with criminal activity, missing person reports, or stolen property. The timely communication of these hits empowers officers and investigators to make informed decisions during their operations. Understanding the significance of hit responses and the $.H. messages enables users of NCIC to efficiently navigate the system and prioritize their responses based on the data received.