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.
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.