Understanding Key Databases

The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) is a secure FBI database used by law enforcement nationwide to share real-time information on missing persons, wanted individuals, and stolen property. Officers use NCIC during investigations, traffic stops, and welfare checks to determine whether a person or item is connected to a crime or missing person case. NCIC is not accessible to the public and is limited to authorized criminal justice agencies. It is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The FBI’s Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS) is a national electronic fingerprint and criminal history system, that provides automated fingerprint, latent print, image storage (face/marks, tattoos), and criminal history search capabilities. Available 24/7, Law enforcement agencies use IAFIS to quickly identify individuals, link fingerprints from crime scenes to known offenders, identify criminal history, and support investigations. The system allows both automated and manual searches, helping investigators match prints and identities across local, state, and federal databases.  An FBI IAFIS brochure is available here: https://ucr.fbi.gov/fingerprints_biometrics/biometric-center-of-excellence/files/iafis_0808_one-pager825

The National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) is an ATF-managed system that allows participating law enforcement agencies to automatically share, compare, and cross-reference firearms ballistic evidence across a nationwide network. By identifying when the same firearm is used in multiple crimes, even if the gun is not recovered, NIBIN generates investigative leads that help link cases, identify suspects, and detect shooting patterns. ATF maintains and operates the NIBIN infrastructure at no cost to participating law enforcement agencies, and all leads require forensic confirmation before courtroom use. https://www.atf.gov/firearms/tools-services-law-enforcement/national-integrated-ballistic-information-network-nibin

The FBI’s Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) is a national DNA database used to match DNA among crime scenes and to known offenders and arrestees, as well as to help identify missing persons and unidentified human remains when adequate DNA is available. Because CODIS is made up of multiple specialized databases and indices, a deeper understanding of its complexities is key to maximizing its effectiveness. CODIS intricacies are further explored on our Blog. An FBI CODIS brochure is available here: https://le.fbi.gov/file-repository/codis_brochure_2015-0918.pdf/view

The FBI’s Violent Criminal Apprehension Program (ViCAP) is a national database and analytical program that helps law enforcement identify and link violent crimes, including homicides, sexual assaults, missing persons, and unidentified human remains. Only law enforcement agencies can enter cases and access ViCAP, ensuring data accuracy and investigative integrity. Investigators use detailed case information, such as crime scene evidence, victim and offender characteristics, and modus operandi, to detect patterns, connect seemingly unrelated cases, and identify serial offenders. While ViCAP itself is restricted to law enforcement, the FBI maintains public-facing ViCAP Alert pages on violent crimes, missing persons, and unidentified remains, that highlight select cases authorized by the investigating agency for public viewing and assistance.   Visit our Blog to discover the potential of ViCAP and the tools law enforcement can leverage. 

The FBI’s Law Enforcement Enterprise Portal (LEEP) is a secure online platform that provides approved law enforcement personnel with centralized access to federal databases, intelligence products, training resources, and investigative tools. LEEP enables efficient information sharing and collaboration across local, state, tribal, federal, and international partners while safeguarding sensitive investigative data.

Law enforcement access to LEEP can be requested through CJIS, and the portal serves as the primary access point for FBI services, including ViCAP, the National Data Exchange (N-DEx), FBI Virtual Academy, INTELLINK, the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), & other law enforcement resources.  An FBI LEEP brochure is available here: https://www.cjis.gov/static/CJISEAI/leep_trifold.pdf

The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) is the nation’s only centralized federal database for missing, unidentified, and unclaimed persons cases. It serves as a shared resource for law enforcement, medical examiners, and coroners, enabling critical communication, data sharing, and case cross-matching nationwide. NamUs also provides limited public access, allowing families to take an active role in the search for missing loved ones. NamUs further offers free forensic, investigative, and analytical services to help resolve long-term cases. https://namus.nij.ojp.gov

While NamUs may assist with the collection of DNA for potential entry into CODIS, DNA submission is not required. A person listed in NamUs should not be assumed to be entered into the CODIS system.

The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) maintains a national database of missing children that supports law enforcement in locating missing youth and identifying endangered children. Beyond its database, NCMEC provides case analysis, forensic and technical assistance, public awareness campaigns, training, and coordination with local, state, and federal partners. Together, these resources make NCMEC a critical hub for prevention, recovery, and investigative support. www.missingkids.org