Private investigators do not have access to NCIC records.
The NCIC (National Criminal Information Center) is a computerized index of criminal justice information, such as criminal record history information and lists of fugitives, stolen properties, and missing persons, that is available exclusively to law enforcement agencies and related criminal justice organizations.
The data contained in the NCIC is compiled from records by the FBI; federal, state, local and foreign criminal justice agencies; and authorized courts.
Access to this database is strictly prohibited to the general public, including private investigators and information brokers.
While there has been, unfortunately, a history of abuse of this privileged system, the government has recently cracked down on the abuse by determining who is accessing the NCIC database, including through system audits and investigation of individual usernames and passwords, and instigating federal prosecution against those who inappropriately access the system.
~Preet Bharara
Meanwhile, there have been questions about the reliability and accuracy of the NCIC database, so even if you did have access to it, it may not be the most comprehensive way to find criminal records.
How do private investigators obtain criminal record information?
Of course, it would be nice to have access to criminal records relating to any person in the entire United States; unfortunately, it is just not possible.
Here are some additional resources to dive in a little deeper:
Awesome article! Clients seem to be under the impression that private investigators have special access to privileged criminal data. While it is true, private investigators do have access to databases with confidential info, this data is rarely a complete file and mostly consists of public information. For the most accurate and detailed information on a subject’s criminal record, there is no substitute for hiring a professional investigator to physically conduct a criminal background check.