NCJ Number
97484
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 54 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1985) Pages: 14-17
Date Published
1985
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The Interstate Identification Index (III), whereby States are primarily responsible for recordkeeping and dissemination of National Crime Information Center (NCIC) data, has been tested successfully in two development phases.
Abstract
The III system now involves 20 State identification bureaus. When the NCIC receives an online request for a record originating in one of these States, it automatically sends a message to the State computer, so the State can respond directly to the request. Records in the NCIC are supported by information on a criminal fingerprint card completed at the time of arrest. In the III States, these cards are first submitted to the State identification bureau for processing before being sent to the FBI. The use of III has increased by over 25 percent during the last year, and now over 500,000 inquiries are processed each month. The III also allows authorized users to access criminal history records by using a computer terminal. The FBI became involved with the III in 1978, because it wanted to eliminate records that were duplicated by those kept at the State level. A three-phase test program was designed. The first phase tested the exchange of single State records - persons arrested in only one State. About 80 percent of the user agencies in six test States were satisfied with the service. Phase two tested the exchange of multistate records, using records provided by 14 States and the FBI. User comments were overwhelmingly favorable. Side benefits included improved data quality and substantial cost savings. The FBI now has invited all other States to join the III program, and phase three will test the National Fingerprint File. A chart and one reference are supplied.