Do CHRI and III inquiries need to include the purpose for which the information is requested?

The requirement to include the purpose for which the information is requested in Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) and Interstate Identification Index (III) inquiries is critical for ensuring that the access to such sensitive data is appropriate and justified. Including the purpose helps to establish the legitimacy of the inquiry, maintaining compliance with legal standards and regulations that govern the use of criminal records.

This measure is in place primarily to protect individual privacy rights and to prevent misuse of sensitive information. By documenting the reason for the request, it allows law enforcement agencies and other authorized entities to verify that the requests are made in accordance with the law and for official purposes, be it for criminal investigations, background checks, or other legal uses. This transparency is essential for the integrity of the information system and to uphold the trust between the public and the agencies operating within it.

In contrast, some inquiries might not require such documentation, which helps clarify the specific procedural requirements and expectations applicable in different contexts. However, for CHRI and III inquiries, the inclusion of the purpose is both a best practice and often a mandatory requirement.