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CJIS Section-Intake and Dissemination Unit Computerized Criminal History (CCH) System: 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.
What is included in a Minnesota CCH Record? 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.
Public information: Data on criminal convictions is public for 15 years following the completion of the sentence. Public information includes: offense, date of the offense, court of conviction, date of the conviction, sentence, level of conviction and probation agency or place of confinement. The public information does not include an individual's arrest history.
Who can access PUBLIC records? Any person may obtain public information on anyone. Records may be viewed at the BCA Office, using the public computer terminal in the lobby.
Obtaining a copy of another person's Public record: You may request a printed copy of another person's public criminal history record by writing or visiting the BCA office at 1246 University Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55104-4197. You will receive public data only. Written requests must include: The complete, correct spelling of the first and last names, middle name if available, the date of birth and the sex. 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. You may view a public record of another person on the public computer terminal at no cost. The fee for a copy of the public CCH record is $4.00 per name.
Private information: Private data includes all arrest information, all juvenile records, all court information and convictions more than 15 years old.
Who can access PRIVATE records? Only in certain situations may a person access private data on another person. Private record information may only be accessed by:
The subject of the record
Criminal justice agencies for criminal justice purposes
Individuals and organizations mandated to conduct background checks
Any individual that has a notarized Informed Consent Form signed by the adult subject of the record.
When accessing private records through informed consent, the BCA requires that its Informed Consent Form is used. A sample Informed Consent Form may be obtained by calling the BCA at 651/642-0670 to request a copy be mailed or faxed to you, or a sample form is available online.
Obtaining a copy of your CCH record: You may request a printed copy of your own criminal history record by writing or visiting the BCA office. You will receive both public and private data.
Written requests must include: Full name with correct spelling, date of birth, and any If you wish to view your criminal history record the lobby hours are 8:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, closed on holidays. You will need to provide some acceptable form of identification, e.g. driver's license. Fingerprints may be required to verify your identity. There is no fee charged to view your record, however there is an $8.00 fee for a printed copy.
Obtaining a copy of another person's Public and Private record: You may request a printed copy of another person's public and private record by writing or visiting the BCA office. You may either: Bring a notarized Informed Consent Form signed by the Send a notarized Informed Consent Form signed by the subject
Are fingerprints required for a CCH record search? Fingerprints are not required to conduct the CCH record search at the BCA. In some instances the BCA will request fingerprints of the subject of the record to ensure the correct record is disseminated. Since all CCH data is based on fingerprint identification, fingerprinting is the only method we have to guarantee the record belongs to a specific individual. Response time for mail requests: Response time for mail requests is approximately two weeks.
Criminal records for other states: The BCA does not maintain records of arrests and convictions
Requesting federal criminal history records: Federal records are available for the individual of the record or when mandated or allowed by state statute. For information regarding your own federal criminal history record, contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) at 304/625-3878.
Further information: Call the BCA at 651/642-0670, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., if you need additional information. Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension CJIS Section 1246 University Avenue St. Paul, MN 55104-4197 Hours: BCA Lobby hours 8:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. BCA Business hours 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Open Monday through Friday, closed holidays. Last Reviewed/Updated: Tuesday, March 30, 1999.
Send questions or comments to:
bca.info@state.mn.us
http://www.dps.state.mn.us/bca/BCA.html