NCJ Number
154686
Date Published
1995
Length
20 pages
Annotation
Legislation has been enacted in New Mexico that contains provisions on the inspection of public records, the use of police reports, access to public records, criminal identification, arrest records, criminal record expungement, and criminal record checks.
Abstract
Under the Inspection of Public Records Act, citizens have the right to inspect most public records in New Mexico, except for medical and mental records, employment and licensing records, and law enforcement records that reveal confidential sources and methods and confidential information on individuals accused but not charged with a crime. Police reports cannot be used to solicit crime victims. In general, public records include books, papers, maps, photographs, and other documentary materials. Legislation has been passed that deals with the conduct of background checks on State education department employees, the employment of criminal offenders, criminal identification, cooperation between police agencies, and fingerprinting of arrested persons. The Arrest Record Information Act recognizes the importance of exchanging complete and accurate information among law enforcement agencies. Other legislation focuses on criminal record expungement and sealing, criminal record confidentiality, and criminal record checks.