Is a Hit alone sufficient probable cause for arrest?

A Hit from the NCIC (National Crime Information Center) database is an indication that there is a match or connection to a criminal record or warrant, but it is not in itself sufficient probable cause for arrest. Probable cause requires that the law enforcement officer have a reasonable basis for believing that a crime has been committed, and that the individual in question is involved in that crime. A Hit serves as a starting point or a piece of information that could lead to further investigation, but it must be corroborated with additional evidence or circumstances surrounding the situation.

Relying solely on a Hit without further evidence or context could lead to potential legal challenges, as officers must ensure that they are not infringing on an individual's rights or arresting someone based solely on a system match without further justification. This context reinforces why the statement is false - it emphasizes the need for due diligence and additional investigative steps following a Hit to ensure that any action taken is justified legally and ethically.