Law Commons^™

Probable Cause Based On Inaccurate Computer Information: Taking Judicial Notice Of Ncic Operating Policies And Procedures, Patrick Hand

Fordham Urban Law Journal

The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) is the most comprehensive computerized system for storing criminal justice information. It is managed by the FBI, but is used at the federal, state, and local level as an investigative tool. The use of computerized criminal information has raised questions in cases where an arrest was made relying on computer information which later proved to have been inaccurate. This Note discusses the fourth amendment implications of arrest based on inaccurate computer information and articulates the circumstances under which such an arrest should be upheld. NCIC safeguards are discussed and it is recommended that the …