English
Español¿Qué es el National Crime Information Center Registry (Centro de Registro Nacional de Información de Crímenes)? ¿Quién tiene acceso?
The National Crime Information Center Registry (NCIC) is a nationwide, electronic database used by law enforcement agencies in the U.S, Canada, and Puerto Rico. It is managed by the FBI and state law enforcement officials.
The state that issued your protection order may already have entered your order into the NCIC when you got the order. If not, your order could be entered into the NCIC if you register it in Mississippi. All law enforcement officials have access to the NCIC database, but the information is encrypted, so outsiders cannot access it.1
1 See the FBI website
Do I have to register my protection order in Mississippi in order to get it enforced?
You do not have to register a protection order from another state to get it enforced.1 Mississippi will enforce your order if:
- you can show the officer a copy of your order;
- your order clearly identifies both you and the abuser; and
- your order is in effect “on its face” – which means that the expiration date listed on your order hasn’t passed yet.2
Even though the order doesn’t have to be registered, the officer does need to believe that it is a valid order.3 Registering your order in Mississippi may help local law enforcement officers more easily check that your order is valid.
1 Miss. Code § 93-22-9(1), (4)
2 Miss. Code § 93-22-7(1)
3 Miss. Code §§ 93-21-16(2); 93-22-7(1)
How do I register my protection order in Mississippi?
To register an out-of-state (“foreign”) protection order, you must present a certified copy of the order to the chancery clerk’s office of any county in the state. You also have to file an affidavit, which says that you truthfully believe the order is still in effect.1 After the order is registered, the clerk will give you a certified copy of the registered order.
1 Miss. Code § 93-22-9(1), (3)
Will the abuser be notified if I register my protection order?
The federal Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which applies to all U.S. states and territories, addresses this issue. VAWA says that the court cannot tell the abuser when you register or file your protection order in a new state unless you specifically request that the abuser be notified.1 However, you may wish to check that the clerk is aware of this law before you register your order. You may want to be especially careful if your address is confidential.
Despite this law, it is still possible that the abuser could somehow find out where you are living. Continue to think about your safety, even if you no longer live in the same state as the abuser. Our Safety Planning page has tips to get you started or build on what you’re already doing. A local domestic violence organization can help you make a safety plan that works for you. To find organizations in your area, go to our Mississippi Advocates and Shelters page.
1 18 U.S.C. § 2265(d)
What if I don't register my protection order? Will it be more difficult to have it enforced?
Neither federal nor Mississippi state law requires you to register your protection order. Additionally, Mississippi state law requires law enforcement officials to enforce an out-of-state protection order even if it has not been registered in Mississippi, as long as:
- you can show the officer a copy of the order; and
- the order appears to be valid.1
If you’re not sure whether registering your order is the right decision for you, you may want to talk with a domestic violence advocate. An advocate can help you figure out what is safest in your situation. To see a list of local domestic violence organizations, go to our Mississippi Advocates and Shelters page.
1 Miss. Code § 93-22-7(1), (4)
