Final answer:
An NCIC hit alone is not sufficient to establish probable cause. Additional evidence and information are needed to meet the legal standard of probable cause.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering the NCIC hit, it is important to understand that it alone is not sufficient to establish probable cause. The NCIC (National Crime Information Center) is a computerized database containing information about various criminal activities, wanted persons, and stolen property. While an NCIC hit may indicate that a person has a criminal record or is wanted for a crime, it does not automatically provide enough evidence to establish probable cause.
Probable cause is a legal standard that requires sufficient facts and circumstances to believe that a crime has been committed or that a particular individual is involved in criminal activity. It goes beyond just the presence of a hit in a database. In order to establish probable cause, law enforcement officers must gather additional evidence, witness statements, or other corroborating information.
For example, if a person has an NCIC hit for a past conviction of theft, it alone may not be enough to establish probable cause for a new theft case. However, if there is additional evidence, such as witness testimonies or surveillance footage linking the person to the crime, then the combination of the NCIC hit and the supporting evidence may establish probable cause.