The task force found that accurate and complete criminal history record information assists law enforcement personnel in identifying individuals during investigations, prosecutors in making charging and plea bargaining decisions, and courts in making appropriate pretrial release decisions. Criminal history record disposition reporting is crucial to decisions regarding sentencing, parole, security clearances, eligibility to carry firearms, employment, public policy, and noncriminal justice licensing and eligibility. The task force recommended several ways to improve disposition reporting. A high level task force should be established in each State to represent all components of the criminal justice system. High priority should be given to automating recording systems, and electronic data interchange technologies should be utilized wherever possible. In addition, every State should establish a systematic training program for improving the accuracy and completeness of criminal history record information.
Criminal History Record Disposition Reporting: Findings and Strategies
NCJ Number
135690
Date Published
1992
Length
3 pages
Annotation
A report by the National Task Force on Criminal History Disposition Reporting found that, in light of the high rate of recidivism of career criminals, it would be appropriate for both criminal justice and noncriminal justice decisionmakers to consider the recidivists' criminal history when necessary.
Abstract