NCJ Number
85105
Date Published
1981
Length
29 pages
Annotation
This report identifies the manner in which local police agencies collect, manage, use, and disseminate criminal history record information and analyzes the impact of that activity on the quality and utility of criminal history records and the privacy and security interests of record subjects.
Abstract
Information for this report was obtained from a search of standard reference sources; a review of applicable statutes, ordinances, and regulations; and a survey of a cross-section of local police agencies throughout the country. The first major section of the report reviews the law affecting local agency handling of criminal history record information. This includes a discussion of the Justice System Improvement Act Regulations, State statutes, local ordinances, and applicable case law. The second major section describes and analyzes local agency practice. The discussion suggests that much of local agency practice is governed by the discretion of local officials and is not governed by applicable law. The topics considered are agency collection of criminal history record information, the scope of local agency systems, disposition reporting problems, automation issues, security, personnel and training, subject access to information, third-party dissemination of information, agency experience with legal action aimed at redressing allegedly improper agency recordkeeping practices, and the effects and implications of different sources of law and policy. The second part of the report also includes an analysis of the implications of current law and practice and an identification of issue areas that need further attention. The analysis does not include formal or specific recommendations but rather suggests broad issue areas that need further attention or analysis. Appended are a list of survey respondents, a roster of participants, and a discussion of the scope of the Justice System Improvement Act Regulations. (Author summary modified)