January 27, 2006

Lansing -  Additional criminal history information, specifically arrest information pending a conviction, will be available to the public as a result of Public Act 310 of 2005, which establishes a state criminal history record information dissemination law.  Previously, Michigan did not have a dissemination law so the state followed federal law which prohibits the release of non-conviction data to non-law enforcement entities. 

The Act, which goes into effect on Feb. 1, provides that all criminal history information associated with a state identification number and supported by fingerprint impressions or images shall be disseminated in response to a fingerprint-based or name-based search of the state’s criminal history record database.  At least 25 other states already have a similar law.

Under the new law, information which is either nonpublic or prohibited by law from being disseminated will still remain confidential.

“This law will further help to close the loophole that can occur between arrest and conviction, thereby providing the most accurate information available to help individuals make informed decisions,” stated Lt. Col. Thomas J. Miller, deputy director and commander of the Michigan State Police Administrative Services Bureau.

Currently, the state’s computerized name-based search, called the Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT), only returns a criminal record that has a conviction attached to it.  Starting Feb. 1, ICHAT will return arrest information even if the charge or judicial portion is not yet available. 

The Michigan State Police began keeping criminal history records in 1927.  ICHAT was developed in 1999.  To conduct an ICHAT search, visit www.michigan.gov/ichat.

CONTACT:

Tim Bolles, MSP Criminal Justice Information Center, (517) 322-5529; or

Chad Canfield, MSP Criminal Justice Information Center, (517) 322-5459