Criminal Justice Information Systems

Policy Regarding Criminal Justice Information Systems

• The Department's policy is to ensure employees use criminal justice information systems lawfully and ethically.

NCIC/FCIC System Misuse

• Employees misusing the NCIC/FCIC System will face disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

Access to NCIC/FCIC System

• Access to the NCIC/FCIC system requires a valid purpose, justification, and approval from the supervisor or designee.

Criminal Justice Agencies' Responsibility

• Criminal justice agencies with access to NCIC/FCIC Criminal History Files are subject to audits and compliance reviews.

Disciplinary Action

• Employees who misuse the NCIC/FCIC System will face disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

Wanted Persons File Entries

• The primary method for making entries and cancellations to the wanted persons file is through the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office (PBSO).

Unknown Warrants

• If a warrant for an individual is not found in the FCIC/NCIC computer, a teletype should be sent to the originating agency to verify the warrant.

Receiving Warrant Information

• If information about an arrest warrant is received from another agency concerning an individual in the Department's jurisdiction, it should be verified and entered into the system.

Notifying Supervisors

• Supervisors should be notified to determine if and when an attempt will be made to locate the subject of a warrant.

Department's Access to PALMS

• The Department's access to the PALMS computer system is primarily for making inquiries and entries to the wanted persons file.

Wanted Persons and Vehicle Information

• Information about wanted persons and vehicles is available through the FCIC/NCIC computer terminal and the PALMS system.

Establishing a Warrant and Wanted Persons File

• A warrant and wanted persons file can be established through the PALMS system if the individual has an outstanding warrant and is considered a threat to public safety.

Verifying Information

• Information received from the system should be verified through a supervisor or designee.

Acting on Warrants

• A warrant should be acted on only after verification and approval from a supervisor or designee.

FCIC/NCIC Computer Terminal

• The FCIC/NCIC computer terminal provides access to criminal history information, wanted persons and vehicle files, and other law enforcement data.

Compliance with CJIS Policies

• The CJIS Systems Agency (CSA) is responsible for ensuring Department and user compliance with CJIS Policies and Procedures as they relate to FCIC and NCIC.

Mandatory Requirement

• Employees using the NCIC/FCIC terminal must adhere to CJIS Policies and Procedures and undergo recertification testing every two years.

Teletype Terminal Protection

• The Teletype terminal is protected by an uninterrupted power supply (UPS) to ensure continuous operation.

Releasing Information to Authorized Wrecker Companies

• Information obtained from DHSMV can be released to authorized wrecker companies for official business purposes.

FCIC/NCIC Recertification Tests

• FCIC/NCIC recertification tests are required every two years for operators to maintain certification.

Purpose of Criminal History Checks

• Criminal history checks can be used for purposes authorized by the Federal Privacy Act of 1974.

FDLE Compliance Verification

• FDLE verifies compliance with established protocols for CJIS Systems every three years.