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EspañolWhat is the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Registry? Who has access to it?
The National Crime Information Center Registry (NCIC) is a nationwide, electronic database that contains protective order information that is used by law enforcement agencies in the U.S, Canada, and Puerto Rico. It is managed by the FBI and state law enforcement officials.
Before moving to Louisiana, the state that issued your protection order may already have entered your order into the NCIC. If not, your order may be entered into the NCIC once your order is registered in Louisiana.
All law enforcement officials have access to it, but the information is encrypted so outsiders cannot access it.
How do I register my protective order in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, registering your protective order is called making the order “executory,” which can be done if you file a petition requesting it and attach a copy of your order. There will be a hearing at which the judge can order the creation of a Uniform Abuse Prevention Order, which the court clerk will file and send to the Louisiana Protective Order Registry.1
If you need help registering your protection order, you can contact a local domestic violence organization in Louisiana for assistance. You can find contact information for organizations in your area on our LA Advocates and Shelters page.
1 LA R.S. 13:4248
Do I have to register my protective order in Louisiana in order to get it enforced?
Under federal law, you do not have to register your protection order to have it enforced.1 Although Louisiana allows you to register your order (make it “executory”) in a Louisiana court, you are not required to do this in order to have it enforced. For more information, see How do I register my protection order in Louisiana?
1 18 U.S.C. § 2265(d)(2)
Will the abuser be notified if I register my protection order?
Under the federal Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which applies to all U.S. states and territories, the court is not permitted to notify the abuser when a protective order has been registered or filed in a new state unless you specifically request that the abuser be notified.1 However, you may wish to confirm that the clerk is aware of this law before registering the order if your address is confidential.
However, remember that there may be a possibility that the abuser could somehow find out what state you have moved to. It is important to continue to safety plan, even if you are no longer in the state where the abuser is living. We have some safety planning tips to get you started on our Safety Planning page. You can also contact a local domestic violence organization to get help in developing a personalized safety plan. You will find contact information for organizations in your area on our LA Advocates and Shelters page.
1 18 USC § 2265(d)
What if I don't register my protective order? Will it be more difficult to have it enforced?
Since neither federal nor state law requires that you register your protective order, it should not be more difficult to have your protective order enforced even if you decide not to register it in Louisiana. However, if your order is not registered, it will not be entered into the Louisiana Protective Order Registry, which means it might take more time for a Louisiana police officer to verify that it is a valid order.
If you are unsure about whether registering your order is the right decision for you, you may want to contact a local domestic violence organization in your area. An advocate there can help you decide what the safest plan of action is for you in Louisiana. To see a list of local domestic violence organizations, go to our LA Advocates and Shelters page.
Does it cost anything to register my protective order?
There is no fee for registering your protective order in Louisiana.1
1 LA R.S. § 13:4245
