If the originating agency cannot contact the victim for validation, what should the entering authority do?

When dealing with situations where the originating agency cannot contact the victim for validation, retaining the entry based on available information is the appropriate action. This approach is based on the principle that the information used for entering the data was accurate and valid at the time of entry. By retaining the entry, the agency ensures that vital details remain accessible for law enforcement and investigative purposes, especially in cases where the victim may eventually be located or when additional information surfaces that might assist in the case.

Retaining the information is crucial for maintaining a comprehensive record that can assist in ongoing investigations and updates to law enforcement databases. Deleting entries prematurely would eliminate potentially critical data, while contacting higher authorities for instructions may cause additional delays in managing cases that may need immediate attention. Archiving an entry for a year would not align with the necessity of keeping the data active and accessible to assist law enforcement in their efforts. Therefore, maintaining the entry ensures that crucial details remain in the system for future reference and operational effectiveness.