|
The Computerized Criminal History (CCH) System is the State central repository for data on subjects arrested for felony, gross misdemeanor, enhanced misdemeanor and some misdemeanor offenses. It is used by the criminal justice community for decisions regarding investigations, arrests, bail/bond, criminal charges, plea bargains, convictions, probation, and placement in correctional facilities. It is also used during mandated background checks on individuals seeking employment or licensing for various positions. CCH also contains valuable information for researchers.
Minnesota criminal history records contain information on all arrests and convictions. State statutes require all law enforcement agencies in the state to report juvenile felony and gross misdemeanor arrests, and adult felony, gross misdemeanor, enhanced gross misdemeanor and targeted misdemeanor arrests to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA). They are not required to report other misdemeanor arrests, but they may report them if they choose. The law enforcement agencies send a copy of each arrest fingerprint card to the BCA. The information from each card is recorded in the CCH record. Courts and Corrections report information regarding convictions, court dispositions, probation, and custody actions which are recorded in CCH.
To obtain a public criminal history record, you may do one of the following:
1) Access it via the Internet - The Public Criminal History Record Search Web site allows access to public criminal history information. A first and last name and date of birth is required for this search.
2) Request it via U.S. Mail - Your request must include the complete, correct spelling of the first and last names, middle name if available and date of birth. Enclose a personal check, money order, cashier's check, certified or business check, for $4.00 made payable to the BCA. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Response time for mail requests is approximately two weeks. Our mailing address is:
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
Criminal Justice Information Systems - CHA
1430 Maryland Ave. E.
St. Paul, MN 55106
3) Visit the BCA Office in Person - You can check names and look at the records for no charge at a public terminal located in our lobby area; however, there is a $4.00 fee if you want a printed copy. Payment for criminal history searches is accepted through cash, personal checks, money orders, certified checks, or business checks. Our office is located on the corner of Maryland Avenue and Phalen Blvd. in St. Paul.
|
