Access to Criminal History Records by Non-Governmental Entities Performing Authorized Criminal Justice Functions

Non-govemmental entities performing authorized criminal justice functions under contract with government law enforcement agencies may be granted access to criminal history records maintained under the authority of 28 U.S.C. § 534, subject to effective controls to guard against unauthorized use and to ensure effective oversight by the Department of Justice.

Because Department of Justice regulations implementing 28 U.S C. § 534 do not affirmatively authorize dissemination of criminal history records to non-govemmental entities under contract to assist law enforcement agencies, those regulations should be amended to provide such authorization before access is granted to those entities.