What is the outcome of not confirming a hit properly?

Not confirming a hit properly can significantly compromise investigations. When law enforcement receives a hit from the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), it indicates that there might be relevant information or leads related to a law enforcement investigation, such as a stolen vehicle or a wanted person. If this hit is not confirmed accurately, crucial follow-up actions may be missed, potentially allowing a suspect to evade capture or a stolen property to remain unreturned.

Moreover, improper confirmation can lead to misinformation being acted upon, which could hinder the investigative process or lead to wrongful assumptions about a case's status. Accurate confirmation ensures that investigators have the most reliable information available, allowing them to allocate resources effectively and follow appropriate legal procedures. This reinforces the overall integrity of law enforcement operations and public trust in the justice system.