NCJ Number
152977
Date Published
1997
Length
157 pages
Annotation
After discussing the background of the multiyear Criminal History Records Improvement (CHRI) Program, this monograph reports on the methodology and findings of an evaluation of the CHRI Program, offering recommendations to guide future criminal history records improvement.
Abstract
A review of the background of the CHRI Program notes that it has involved 81 grant awards between fiscal years 1990 and 1993 to all 50 States, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. These awards have supported a wide range of activities, from baseline data quality audits to the design and implementation of sophisticated electronic interfaces between a State's central repository and its court information system. In addition to improving the accuracy, timeliness, and completeness of records in the criminal history repositories of each State, CHRI funds have enhanced the viability of an eventual national criminal history system, strengthened interagency cooperation among State agencies, and heightened awareness of the importance of criminal history records. The evaluation, which was completed in April 1994, assessed the impact of the CHRI Program on data quality in each of the participating States and identified promising approaches and strategies for improving data quality. Recommendations for future criminal history records improvement are to continue funding of records improvement initiatives, continue to require establishment of multiagency task forces, fund baseline activities, continue to emphasize automation, and work toward implementing paperless reporting systems. Recommendations are also offered for research and evaluation. 21 exhibits, a 42-item bibliography, and appended glossary, State summary, discussion of the State questionnaire, and sources for further information