Which action removes an entire record from NCIC files?

The option that removes an entire record from NCIC files is indeed the one that refers to cancellation. When a record is canceled in the NCIC system, it is effectively marked as no longer valid, thus erasing it from active files. Cancellation is fundamental in maintaining clean and accurate records, as it ensures that outdated or irrelevant information does not hinder current operations or inadvertently involve law enforcement in cases that are no longer pertinent.

In contrast, other actions, such as modifying or updating a record, only change the existing data within that record rather than removing it entirely. These actions are crucial for maintaining accurate information, but they do not equate to the removal process that cancellation does. Clearing generally refers to a process involved in removing elements but is not specifically focused on the removal of an entire record. Therefore, cancellation stands out as the correct action crucial for eliminating complete records from the NCIC files.