What actions must an agency take if they find erroneous data in NCIC?

The appropriate action for an agency that discovers erroneous data in the NCIC is to report the error immediately to the appropriate agency or NCIC for correction. This is crucial for maintaining the integrity and reliability of the information contained within NCIC, which law enforcement agencies rely on for critical decisions and actions.

Erroneous data can lead to serious consequences, including wrongful arrests or misinformed actions based on inaccurate information. Therefore, prompt reporting ensures that the data is corrected swiftly, preventing further misuse of incorrect information and safeguarding both public safety and the rights of individuals affected by the data in question.

While other options might seem feasible, they do not uphold the standard of accountability and accuracy necessary in law enforcement operations. Ignoring the error or making corrections independently could exacerbate the problem, while notifying the public about erroneous data is not advisable, as it could lead to public confusion without first ensuring the data is accurate. Thus, the correct course of action prioritizes the maintenance of data integrity through proper reporting channels.