What purpose does the NCIC serve regarding stolen firearms?

The purpose of the NCIC, or National Crime Information Center, in relation to stolen firearms is primarily to track and recover firearms that have been reported stolen. This system acts as a central database where law enforcement agencies across the country can enter and access information about stolen property, including firearms. By doing so, it facilitates the coordination between various jurisdictions, allowing officers to quickly check if a firearm they encounter has been reported stolen. This tool is critical in efforts to reduce gun crime and to assist in the recovery of stolen weapons, ultimately promoting public safety and aiding law enforcement in their duties.

The other options, while related to firearms in a general context, do not accurately describe the primary function of the NCIC. For instance, regulating firearm sales or issuing permits falls under the jurisdiction of state and local authorities, rather than a national database. Providing statistics on firearm usage could be part of broader research or governmental reports, but it is not a direct function of the NCIC.