Criminal Justice Information Sharing Systems

Shared criminal justice information is for law enforcement personnel only.

Criminal justice information sharing systems are used exclusively by law enforcement personnel in criminal investigations. The systems are computer-based, with access restricted to law enforcement, court and corrections personnel. Users can query databases at international, federal, state, regional and local levels.

History

Early criminal records were kept in hand-written ledgers.

Scientific, collaborative police work grew from 1969 to 1982, largely through funding for research and education that was provided by the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration, a federal agency. As law enforcement improved, so did the ability to share information. The technical ability and the need to share systems grew along with the Internet.

Scope

Computers provide nationwide access to crime information and records.

Law enforcement investigators can find information on types of crime, methods of operation, evidence, DNA, fingerprints, stolen property, field interviews, arrests, convictions, probation, parole, jail and prison inmates, criminal profiles, firearms and other crime-related topics. The FBI maintains a crime-information database known as The National Crime Information Center. The information is used by law enforcement agencies across the nation.

Security

Guidelines are set by the FBI to protect the information it shares.

The FBI has guidelines that law enforcement personnel must follow regarding access to and use of the FBI's information. The FBI policy sets security measures to ensure the privacy and integrity of the data.

References

• Federal Bureau of Investigation
• The National Archives