What type of index is the National Crime Information Center (NCIC)?

The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) is best described as a catalog of criminal justice information. This system serves as a national database that provides law enforcement agencies with access to a wide range of criminal justice information, including data on wanted persons, missing persons, stolen property, and other criminal activity. The primary purpose of the NCIC is to facilitate communication and aid in law enforcement operations across jurisdictions.

Understanding this context highlights the importance of NCIC within the broader criminal justice system. It is designed to help improve public safety by enabling law enforcement to quickly retrieve pertinent information that can assist in investigations and preventive measures against crime.