Purpose Codes and Dissemination Flashcards

What is a 'purpose code' in the context of NCIC and criminal history record access?

Answer: A code entered with a query that identifies the authorized purpose for which the CHRI is being requested

A purpose code is entered with a CHRI query to identify the legally authorized reason for the request, enabling the system to determine what information may be returned and how it may be used.

Purpose code 'C' is used when requesting CHRI for what type of purpose?

Answer: Criminal justice purpose

Purpose code 'C' designates a criminal justice purpose query, used when the requesting agency is seeking CHRI in connection with a criminal investigation, prosecution, or other criminal justice activity.

After receiving CHRI through an NCIC query, to whom may the receiving agency disseminate that information?

Answer: Only to criminal justice agencies and non-criminal justice entities authorized by the specific purpose code used

CHRI may only be disseminated to criminal justice agencies and to non-criminal justice entities that are specifically authorized under the purpose code used to obtain the information.

When a non-criminal justice agency receives CHRI through an authorized background check, what must accompany the dissemination to the requesting employer or licensing board?

Answer: A written notice to the subject that a background check was conducted and their rights if the information results in an adverse action

When CHRI is used in a non-criminal justice context and may result in an adverse action, the subject must be notified and given an opportunity to address the information before a final adverse decision is made.

Which statement correctly describes the 'need to know' principle as it applies to NCIC dissemination?

Answer: NCIC information may only be accessed and disseminated to individuals who have a demonstrated official need for that specific information in the performance of their authorized duties

The 'need to know' principle limits access to NCIC information to individuals who have a specific, official need for that information in connection with their authorized criminal justice duties.

NCIC records obtained for a criminal justice purpose may be disseminated to the news media under what circumstances?

Answer: When the information has been included in official court records or public filings and the agency's public information officer determines release is appropriate under state law

NCIC records may be discussed publicly when the information has been incorporated into official court proceedings or public records, and the release must comply with state law on public records and law enforcement disclosure.