Locate Message

The purpose of a locate message is to indicate (until the originating agency cancels the record) that the wanted person has been apprehended or stolen property has been located. If the ORI fails to cancel the NCIC record, the Locate will purge it within two weeks of placement.  In the missing person file, a locate message indicates the whereabouts of the missing person has been determined and immediately purges the record from the file. If a CIB record is being located, TSCC will contact the ORI and explain why the locate is being placed against the record.  TSCC will advise the ORI that they have approximately TWO hours to cancel the record.  If the ORI fails to cancel the record within the time allotted, TSCC will cancel the record.  This message is placed against a record that remains active in the system after hit confirmation has taken place.  The locate message includes the date and time the person or property was located, as well as the name of the locating agency. 

A locate message must be transmitted when an agency other than the originating agency of the record finds the missing person, apprehends the wanted person, or recovers the property on file in NCIC. A Locate can only be placed AFTER Hit Confirmation has occurred. It is recommended that a locate be placed against a CIB record after hit confirmation has taken place. ALWAYS place a locate after going through hit confirmation on an NCIC hit.

Other reasons for placing a locate:

•      Bond was posted and the subject will be released, but the warrant is still in the system.

•      The ORI advises they will not extradite the subject, but the warrant has not been modified/canceled.

•      The ORI advises they will extradite the subject, but the warrant has not been modified/canceled.

•      The ORI advises to release the subject because the distance is too far or no personnel are available to transport, but the warrant has not been modified to reflect these geographic restrictions.

•      The ORI advises to release the subject after giving him/her a new court date but the record remains in the system.

•      Property is recovered and is to be released with the record still in the system.

•      When the ORI takes incorrect action.

** Prior to placing a Locate against a wanted person record, make sure that your agency is within any geographical restrictions indicated on the warrant. **

A Locate is placed against a record by contacting TSCC via Admin Message advising:

1.  The record to be located.

2.  The reason for the Locate.

3.  Your agency's case number assigned to this incident.

In one special circumstance NCIC allows for cancellation and re-entry of a Located Record: Hit confirmation has taken place.  The ORI wants the subject, and will transport the subject from the locating agency's state. The subject is released, awaiting extradition.  In this case the ORI may cancel and re-enter the warrant record.  The ORI should state in the remarks field "Do not arrest in (State of location); subject awaiting extradition."