When entering a stolen article and there is no brand name, what should be placed in the BRA field?

When entering a stolen article in the Indiana Data and Communications System (IDACS) and there is no brand name available, it is important to follow the standard procedures for data entry. The correct choice is to use "NO BRA" in the BRA (Brand) field. This option serves a specific purpose within the system by indicating that there is an absence of a recognizable brand name for the stolen article.

Using "NO BRA" clearly communicates to other users of the system that the brand name is not applicable or available, which helps maintain clarity and uniformity in the database. This approach ensures that searches and reports generated from the IDACS will accurately reflect the status of the item, preventing potential confusion that could arise with ambiguous entries.

Other options such as "UNKNOWN," "N/A," or "UNIDENTIFIED" might not communicate the specific lack of a brand name as effectively as "NO BRA." These alternatives could lead to misinterpretation regarding the item's status and complicate searches for similar articles in the system. Thus, "NO BRA" is preferred to maintain consistency and clarity in data reporting within IDACS.