Which of the following best defines "non-terminal agencies"?

Non-terminal agencies are defined as those that do not have a direct link to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC). This means they do not connect to the NCIC system themselves but instead rely on terminal agencies—those that do have direct access—to obtain information. Terminal agencies are often law enforcement agencies or entities that have the infrastructure to connect directly to the NCIC database. Non-terminal agencies may still engage with the data but do so through a conduit or intermediary rather than accessing it directly.

The nuance here is important because it implies a hierarchy in how law enforcement and related agencies access critical information. A non-terminal agency’s lack of direct access does not limit its ability to utilize NCIC information; rather, it requires the agency to collaborate or communicate with terminal agencies in these situations.