Canceling Entries from NCIC & CIB Files

The NCIC and CIB computerized wanted person files are designed to locate wanted subjects for law enforcement agencies. These files are not to serve as a “tracking” or “investigative” system. An area of increasing concern is the civil liability of law enforcement agencies when taking actions based on the information obtained from a computerized law enforcement data file. Agencies must ensure that entries are removed from the computerized files in a timely fashion to eliminate the possibility of hits on “stale” information.

File entries in the CIB and NCIC files must be canceled when the entering agency learns the entry is no longer valid for whatever reason: apprehension of the wanted subject, withdrawal of the warrant, recovery of the stolen item, etc.  Agencies must initiate procedures that will ensure timely cancellation of all satisfied entries as it is essential to eliminate the possibility of a person being apprehended on a “stale” entry.