What constitutes a positive response in NCIC?

In the context of the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), a positive response is defined by matching records. This indicates that the search criteria entered into the system align with existing data on individuals, vehicles, or property associated with criminal activity. When a query yields matching records, it confirms the presence of relevant information in the NCIC database, which is critical for law enforcement and investigative work.

The other options highlight elements that could be informative but do not constitute a positive response. For example, a lack of negative results simply implies that no disqualifying information was found, but it does not affirmatively confirm any matches. Similarly, indications of related criminal activity or general alerts do not provide the concrete evidence needed to establish a positive match within the NCIC; rather, they might raise awareness of potential issues without confirming an actual record match.