Under CCP Art. 63.009, law enforcement must enter the name into the clearinghouse and the NCIC missing person file within how many hours after receiving the report?

• A. 15 minutes
• B. 2 hours
• C. 6 hours
• D. 24 hours

Answer: (B)

Prompt entry of a missing person’s name into the clearinghouse and NCIC is essential for rapid nationwide awareness and coordination. CCP Article 63.009 requires law enforcement to complete this entry within two hours after receiving the report. This narrow window helps ensure that the information is available to other agencies quickly, increasing the chances of locating the person and sharing timely tips or sightings. Delays beyond two hours can slow down cross-agency responses and reduce search effectiveness, while the shorter timelines aren’t mandated. So the two-hour rule best balances practicality with the need for swift dissemination.