Canvass with Probes

The FBI is in the planning stages of the next lifecycle for the NCIC system. As you may be aware, the last major upgrade to NCIC occurred in 1999 with the transition to NCIC 2000. During the past 15 years, we have made many enhancements to NCIC including the addition of several new files. There are currently more than 10 million transactions a day conducted through the NCIC system. As technology in law enforcement continues to change, we are ready to transition to the next iteration of NCIC, NCIC 3^rd Generation or N3G. As mentioned, we are in the planning phase, which for N3G is a kickoff of canvassing our users to determine what the future of NCIC should look like. We are here to identify from you, our partners and stakeholders, what is needed from NCIC in the future (next 10 years or so…). Your feedback will ultimately drive the requirements for N3G. This questionnaire is merely a guide to elicit your input. Please feel free to deviate from the questions and engage in open discussion on any aspect of NCIC you feel is relevant.

1. Please describe current NCIC processes and/or functions that could be improved?

PROBE ON THE FOLLOWING POINTS

• NCIC data storage in distinct files

• Detainer process

• Current online validation process

• Record locate functionality

• NCIC’s delayed inquiry capability and 5-day log

• NCIC batch inquiry capability

• Capability to perform a batch entry, modify, and cancel

• Modification of unsolicited messages
  
  

1. What technological changes or enhancements should be incorporated in the N3G system?
   
   PROBE ON THE FOLLOWING POINTS

• Improvement of current image capability (i.e., ability for users to enter an image with the NCIC record in a one-step process or include a URL address in a response to indicate where an image is maintained)

• Conversion of alpha O’s to zeroes

• Capability for GPS coordinates to be included for all queries

• Manually enter GPS coordinates within the NCIC record

3. Are there changes to the current NCIC search capability that would be beneficial?
   
   

PROBE ON THE FOLLOWING POINTS

Explanation: Currently, NCIC provides the ability to search multiple files at one time using the automatic cross-search functionality. For example, a QW automatically searches other person related files. It also provides the individual file search capability (i.e., QID searches only the Identify Theft File).

• Ability to search specified files at one time

• Key word search engine

• Advanced key word search engine

• Ability to search all fields

• NCIC name-search algorithm

• Sending investigative alerts without another type of record
  
  

4. Please explain any issues with the current response time.
   
   

PROBE ON THE FOLLOWING POINTS

• Average users’ NCIC response

• Acceptable average speed

• Response time be based on the role of the user

• Preliminary response
  
  

5. How do you feel about the NCIC’s current response format?
   
   

PROBE ON THE FOLLOWING POINT

• Hits based on a probability/weighted type score
  
  

6. Are there any policy changes that could improve contributions of records to NCIC?
   
   

PROBE ON THE FOLLOWING POINTS

• Alternative processes to second party check

• 12-month notice for a state to program

• Test region available three months prior

• Multiple warrants on the same individual from the same ORI

7. How do you feel about the SPRQ (Special Request/Offline Search) functionality?
   
   

PROBE ON THE FOLLOWING POINTS

• Searches at the local law enforcement level

• NCIC reporting abilities at the state level

• NCIC reporting abilities at the local level

• Additional types of data analysis functionality

8. One enhancement being considered is the ability to interface with
   other databases. Please provide any databases you would like to see included.
   
   

PROBE ON THE FOLLOWING POINTS

• International, federal, state, or local

• Access to your state data
  
  

9. Is there any data that NCIC doesn’t capture that you feel would be beneficial to include?
   
   

PROBE ON THE FOLLOWING POINTS

• Language(s) spoken

• Address Type (ADD) Field

• Biometrics Available Field and Biometrics Location Field

• Case officer contact information Field
  
  

10. Are there any existing fields you would like to see modified?
    
    

PROBE ON THE FOLLOWING POINTS

• Existing sex codes

• Existing race codes

• Existing date of birth search parameters

• Name field into separate fields

• Fields expanded in length

11. NCIC currently allows the ability to add nine (9) supplementals per transaction. Are there changes to the supplemental transactions you would like to see?

PROBE ON THE FOLLOWING POINTS

• Eliminate the need for supplemental transactions

**If the answer to the above probe is yes, do not follow-up with the next probe.

• Increase the number of supplementals allowed

12. If CJIS develops a user interface, what types of functionality would you like to see included?

PROBE ON THE FOLLOWING POINTS

• State authorize users

• Attribute-based system access

• Summaries or hit details

• Mobile interface

• Online help system

• Online assistance

  • Computer Based Training (CBT)

  • Agencies to run CBT transcripts

13. If the CJIS Division does not develop a user interface or a state chooses not to participate, what types of help material and training would you like to see?
    
    

PROBE ON THE FOLLOWING POINT

• Online manuals
  
  

14. Do you forecast upgrades to your system to include webservices? Were you aware NCIC currently supports an XML data format between the state and NCIC?
    
    

PROBE ON THE FOLLOWING POINT

• Describe your plans
  
  
  

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