Accuracy of Criminal Records

A criminal record of a person usually contains all relevant information pertaining to the criminal history of the individual concerned. Criminal records have proved to be an invaluable tool as far as background checks are concerned. Criminal records accuracy
is extremely essential as they can make or break your reputation. The information included within a criminal record is fairly exhaustive and provides all details including unique identifiers. However, the information may vary slightly from state to state depending on the local jurisdiction.

Apart from records of convictions, most criminal records contain records of all offenses including traffic violations like speeding or instances of driving while intoxicated. It may be possible to view the dismissed charges, pending charges, as well as those charges where an individual had eventually been acquitted.

Databases of Criminal Records

Almost all criminal records are gathered and uploaded to the regional, state or federal systems by the local enforcement authorities. The FBI maintains a computerized database of all offender records. The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) can be accessed by all criminal justice systems but the access is restricted to authorized personnel only. The NCIC has been improved considerably by upgrading its hardware and can be accessed at the Criminal Justice Information Services Division in Clarksburg, West Virginia. The hours of operation are between 9 A.M. to 5 P.M., and the NCIC can be contacted at the number (304) 625-2000.

The RAP sheets or Records of Arrest and Prosecution display all types of criminal records including outstanding warrants. Incarceration as well as probation details may be verified by accessing the database at NCIC.

The FBI http://www.fbi.gov/hq/cjisd/ also maintains an index of criminals linked to the automated fingerprint identification system. The records are frequently counterchecked against the information available from CODIS or Combined DNA Index system. These are normally compiled from various DNA banks under the jurisdiction of the local enforcement systems. The accuracy of criminal records is 100% in such cases.

The Department of Transportation also maintains the National Traffic Registry http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/portal/site/nhtsa/menuitem.f27748441b1ad09d07b2e610cba046a0/ which in turn contains records of all offenses related to driving. It is feasible to contact the NDR at 1-888-851-0436 or visit the department located at the USDOT/NHTSA West Building, NVS-422 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20590.

The FBI specifically maintains a website of sex offenders at http://www.fbi.gov/hq/cid/cac/registry.htm which will enable you to check out offenders convicted of sex crimes, thereby helping you keep your children safe and secure. The site contains ready links to all the 50 states of the United States of America including the district of Columbia and Puerto Rico. While every effort is made to provide you with accurate and updated information, occasional errors may creep in as the main information is obtained from the offenders themselves.

While all states are required to upload their criminal records to the federal database, most states also maintain separate databases of their own. Petty offenses like fish and game or municipal violations are often not reported to the FBI and can be viewed by accessing the local state resources only.

Correction of Criminal Records

You can make an administrative request to the FBI for correction of erroneous records in the NCIC system. State criminal records repositories may also be corrected by a similar appeal or by means of a suit filed in a court of law.