Alabama Administrative Code Title 307 - ALABAMA ELECTRONIC VOTING COMMITTEE
The Alabama Administrative Code, Title 265, is dedicated to the Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center (ACJIC), which has since been absorbed into the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), specifically as the SBI Criminal Justice Information Services Division (SBI CJIS). The overarching body that sets policy and rules is now known as the Alabama Justice Information Commission (AJIC), though "ACJIC" is still commonly used to refer to the data center's functions.
The primary mission of the ACJIC/AJIC and its associated rules is to collect, store, retrieve, analyze, and disseminate criminal justice data throughout the state. This is crucial for supporting law enforcement, prosecutors, courts, and correctional agencies, as well as for providing vital public safety information and statistics.
Here's a breakdown of the key chapters and types of rules you'll find under Alabama Administrative Code, Title 265:
Chapter 265-X-1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS: This foundational chapter covers the basics of the ACJIC, including its purpose, definitions of key terms (like "criminal justice agencies," "criminal justice information," etc.), and the overall scope of its authority.
Chapter 265-X-2 - SECURITY AND CONFIDENTIALITY OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE INFORMATION: This is a critically important chapter, as it dictates how sensitive criminal justice information is protected. It covers:
Access Control: Who can access what information and under what circumstances (e.g., direct vs. indirect access).
Security Standards: Requirements for physical and cybersecurity measures to protect databases and systems.
Confidentiality: Rules on the use and disclosure of criminal history record information (CHRI) to ensure privacy and prevent unauthorized dissemination. This often aligns with federal FBI CJIS Security Policy requirements.
Auditing and Compliance: Procedures for auditing agencies that access ACJIC systems to ensure compliance with security and confidentiality rules.
Alabama Background Check (ABC) System: Rules related to the system that allows authorized employers and others to obtain criminal background checks.
Chapter 265-X-3 - ALABAMA UNIFORM CRIME REPORTING FORMS (and Chapter 265-X-8 - UNIFORM CRIME REPORTS (UCR) NATIONAL INCIDENT BASED REPORTING SYSTEM (NIBRS)): These chapters are vital for crime data collection.
They mandate uniform reporting of criminal incidents and arrests by law enforcement agencies across the state.
They detail the forms and procedures for submitting data, transitioning from the older UCR summary reporting to the more detailed National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS).
The goal is to provide accurate and comprehensive crime statistics for analysis, resource allocation, and policy development at local, state, and federal levels.
Chapter 265-X-4 - SECONDARY METALS RECYCLERS SYSTEM: This chapter establishes rules for a system to track transactions involving secondary metals recyclers, often implemented to help deter and investigate metal theft by requiring reporting of certain purchases.
Chapter 265-X-5 - LAW ENFORCEMENT USE OF FACIAL COMPARISON TECHNOLOGY: This newer chapter addresses the growing use of facial recognition technology by law enforcement. It would establish:
Purpose and Permitted Uses: Defines the specific law enforcement purposes for which this technology can be used.
Policies and Procedures: Requirements for agencies to adopt written policies governing its use.
Data Retention: Rules for how long facial data can be stored.
Training: Requirements for officers using the technology.
Auditing and Oversight: Mechanisms for ensuring proper and lawful use.
Chapter 265-X-6 - LICENSE PLATE RECOGNITION SYSTEMS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT: Similar to facial recognition, this chapter provides uniform directions for law enforcement agencies regarding the use of License Plate Recognition (LPR) systems and the data they collect. Key aspects include:
Lawful Use: Ensuring LPR data is used only for criminal justice or public safety purposes.
Data Sharing and Dissemination: Strict rules on sharing LPR data with other entities.
Retention: Specific periods for how long LPR data can be retained (e.g., no more than five years, based on federal standards).
Auditing: Provisions for auditing agencies for compliance.
Agency Policy: Mandating that agencies adopt and publicize their own written policies on LPR use.
Chapter 265-X-7 - FIREARMS PROHIBITED PERSON DATABASE: This chapter would establish rules for the creation, maintenance, and access to a database identifying individuals legally prohibited from possessing firearms. This is crucial for background checks related to firearm purchases.
Chapter 265-X-10 - CRIME VICTIMS COMPENSATION COMMISSION ACCESS (Effective 3/17/2025): This chapter outlines the protocols for the Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission to access relevant criminal justice information for the purpose of administering victim compensation claims.
Overall Role of the Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center (ACJIC) / Alabama Justice Information Commission (AJIC):
Central Repository: Serving as the central hub for collecting, maintaining, and sharing criminal justice information statewide, including criminal history records, arrest data, and incident reports.
Information Sharing: Facilitating the exchange of critical data among local, state, and federal criminal justice agencies (including connections to national networks like NCIC and Nlets).
Uniform Reporting: Ensuring consistency and accuracy in crime data collection through UCR/NIBRS programs.
Technology Management: Overseeing the implementation and management of various criminal justice information systems and technologies (like LPR and facial recognition).
Security and Privacy: Establishing and enforcing stringent security and confidentiality protocols to protect sensitive data and safeguard individual privacy.
Policy and Oversight: The Alabama Justice Information Commission sets the policies and rules that govern the use and dissemination of criminal justice information across the state.
These administrative rules are fundamental to the operation of Alabama's criminal justice system, enabling effective law enforcement, fair judicial processes, and informed public safety strategies while striving to protect civil liberties.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is always recommended to consult the official Alabama Legislative Services Agency / Administrative Code website for Title 265, or the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website, specifically under the Criminal Justice Information Services Division (CJIS) and the Alabama Justice Information Commission (AJIC).
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