What does an 'Inquiry' in NCIC involve?

An 'Inquiry' in NCIC specifically refers to the process of requesting a search within the NCIC database. It allows law enforcement personnel to access a wide range of information related to criminal activity, including stolen vehicles, wanted persons, missing persons, and more. This feature is crucial for officers in the field who need to obtain real-time data to assist in their investigations or to make informed decisions during encounters.

The focus of the inquiry is not on making changes to the database, such as creating, editing, or deleting records, but rather on obtaining specific information that has already been entered into the system. This makes 'Inquiry' an essential tool for gathering intelligence and enhancing situational awareness in various law enforcement scenarios.