NCJ Number
154687
Date Published
1995
Length
33 pages
Annotation
Legislation has been enacted in New Jersey that focuses on the authorized use of criminal history record background checks, the State Bureau of Identification (SBI), the expungement of criminal records, and access to public records.
Abstract
The processing of criminal history record background checks involves a process by which the SBI accesses the criminal history database of New Jersey's Criminal Justice Information System to compare a set of classifiable fingerprints or to conduct a name search request. Criminal justice agencies can access various information systems, and the SBI plays an important role in criminal identification. The SBI is concerned with fingerprints and other criminal records, cooperation with police officials, and the centralization of criminal record information. Legislative provisions on criminal record expungement pertain to conditional discharge for certain first offenses, disorderly conduct offenses, ordinance violations, juvenile delinquents, young drug offenders, and arrests not resulting in a conviction. Allowable uses of expunged records are identified, and access to public records and records of investigations in progress is discussed.