How long are missing person records retained in NCIC?

Missing person records in the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) are retained indefinitely. This policy is in place to ensure that critical information about missing individuals is always accessible to law enforcement and helps in ongoing investigations or searches. The indefinite retention provides a mechanism for authorities to respond to potential leads or inquiries regarding previously missing persons, regardless of how much time has passed since they were reported missing. This differs from some other categories of records that may have specific time limits for retention. Maintaining these records indefinitely emphasizes the importance of these cases and aids in the continued effort to locate and reunite missing persons with their families.