What information is generally needed to query the "Stolen Article" file?

To effectively query the "Stolen Article" file in the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), specific details about the stolen item are required. This includes an item description that helps in identifying the article, a serial number which is often unique to many valuables and aids in tracking, and the case number that links the query to the specific investigation. Having this information ensures that the query can be accurately matched with records in the database, facilitating the recovery of stolen property and assisting law enforcement in their investigations.

The other options, while potentially relevant in a broader investigative context, do not directly contribute to querying the specific "Stolen Article" file. Witness statements and case documentation, for example, may help in building a case but are not necessary for searching stolen article records. Likewise, suspect details and surveillance footage pertain more to identifying suspects rather than the stolen items themselves. Lastly, an officer's report and crime scene evidence offer context about the crime but do not specifically contain the necessary details needed for querying stolen articles.