When an agency receives a hit on a record, what is the first action they must take?

When an agency receives a hit on a record, the first action they must take is to contact the Originating Agency. This is critical because the originating agency is the one that originally entered the information into the system and is best positioned to provide verification and additional context regarding the hit. This step ensures that appropriate follow-up actions can be taken based on accurate and confirmed information from the source of the record.

The process typically involves verifying that the hit is valid and that the details are current and applicable to the situation at hand. Timely communication with the originating agency is essential for maintaining the integrity of the data and ensuring public safety. The information provided by the originating agency informs the next steps, which could involve investigations or alerts to other law enforcement departments.

Other options, such as filing the report, notifying the public, or archiving the data, are not immediate priorities when a hit is received. These actions may come later, but they rely on the confirmation and guidance provided by the originating agency first. Therefore, contacting the originating agency is a crucial step in the hit confirmation process.