Clarification on background checks....

A few months ago, there was an edict from the GLoTX prohibiting police officers from using TCIC/NCIC to check Masonic applicants. There has been some confusion that I thought I would try to clear up.

1. It is a violation of TCIC/NCIC rules for me to run people for things such as the Masonic lodge. It would be akin to looking up old girlfriends. Strictly verboten. My agency can lose its access to the databases for such abuses. That = no good, probably fired, etc.

2. Most of what is found on TCIC/NCIC is on a public internet database. Most of that which can be found online can be found for free, one merely needs to know where to look.

3. What cannot be found on TCIC/NCIC can be obtained, for a nominal fee, from the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Utilizing 2 and 3 is NOT in violation of the GLoTX edict banning officers from checking applicants via TCIC/NCIC. These avenues of investigation are available to ANY citizen. As a matter of fact, I would like to think that they would be encouraged before we initiate anyone.

Thanks for the clarification!

I am a firm believer in the DPS Criminal Records Search program, at basicly $1 per person its a wonderful tool for any Lodge. I have used the service numerous times in the past.

Not only would we be fired for running someone through TCIC/NCIC without an authorized purpose, we would also likely be charged with criminal charges as well by the state for dissemination of private information to the public. But as stated, one can contact Austin themselves for a criminal history on someone with ease.

One thing I believe in is checking these social networking websites, facebook, myspace, etc. They really can say a lot about a person. There have been many moral misconducts by teachers and police officers that have led to firings and such. It would at least provide some extra questioning for sure.

publicdata.com

mark! said:

One thing I believe in is checking these social networking websites, facebook, myspace, etc. They really can say a lot about a person. There have been many moral misconducts by teachers and police officers that have led to firings and such. It would at least provide some extra questioning for sure.

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Absolutely!

I know that I've done checks on folks before through the DPS CRS... pay $3.50 and get a person's full Texas Criminal History

Moved to Jurisprudence.

TexasCop... this is good info. you mention "Where to look." i take pride in my ability to find someone on the internet and gather information on them. were there specific places you had in mind when you said "where to look" or just in general? if so, could you share those?

Many years ago in my LEO days... I was training on using NCIC. I learned real quick to make sure you did it correctly! My trainer handed me a clip board of the Wanted files (this was 1980ish and we had a teletype).. entered a most wanted and forgot to hit the right key... BOY were they pissed when it set off flags and alarms all over thinking we picked up this guy!

Wingnut said:

Many years ago in my LEO days... I was training on using NCIC. I learned real quick to make sure you did it correctly! My trainer handed me a clip board of the Wanted files (this was 1980ish and we had a teletype).. entered a most wanted and forgot to hit the right key... BOY were they pissed when it set off flags and alarms all over thinking we picked up this guy!

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Been there, done that!!!!! A couple of the agencies I worked for required the officers to be certified on the TCIC/NCIC, and TLETS/NLETS systems. We also puled 4 hours a month in dispatch, just so we didn't forget what these folks did for US. As they changed to modern computers and satellite links, the programs changed, sometimes fast and it was hard to keep up with. But DPS has a tendency to monitor this stuff REAL close, and has no problem suspending an agencies privilege to use it.

Hippie19950 said:

Been there, done that!!!!! A couple of the agencies I worked for required the officers to be certified on the TCIC/NCIC, and TLETS/NLETS systems. We also puled 4 hours a month in dispatch, just so we didn't forget what these folks did for US. As they changed to modern computers and satellite links, the programs changed, sometimes fast and it was hard to keep up with. But DPS has a tendency to monitor this stuff REAL close, and has no problem suspending an agencies privilege to use it.

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Also, I don't really see where LEOs needed an edict from GL... after all, isn't it a criminal offense to improperly use TLETS/TCIC? I seem to remember that from my TCIC class last summer

You can be jailed/fined/fired/slapped on the wrist for using TCIC/NCIC without proper reasons. And if I remember correctly, Masonic candidacy isn't a good reason to run someone.

Hey, there's an App for that. Texas Criminal Search for the iphone. Works well.

mch4970 said:

Hey, there's an App for that. Texas Criminal Search for the iphone. Works well.

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Oh cool, I'll have to check that out!