Chapter 6 – Policing Databases

  • (a) A policing database is an electronic or paper database controlled by a government agency that contains information resulting from, or used as a basis for engaging in, any of the policing functions identified in § 1.01. (b) A policing database should be created only if necessary to facilitate a legitimate policing objective. (c) Any…

    Read more: § 6.01. Authorization
  • (a) Agencies should destroy or render inaccessible any information that is irrelevant to the designated purpose of a database. (b) Programs implementing subsection (a) should include policies requiring that policing databases be purged: (1) after a finite period specified in the authorization creating the database, which may be extended only if the agency can show…

    Read more: § 6.02. Purging of Databases
  • (a) Policing databases should be as accurate, complete, and current as reasonably possible. (b) A policing database should not be considered to have met this standard unless, at a minimum, the agency controlling it requires: (1) standardized procedures for entering data; (2) training of and supervision over those who enter data; and (3) periodic determinations,…

    Read more: § 6.03. Accuracy
  • Policing databases should be secure and protected from unauthorized access. At a minimum, this requires: (a) protection against access by non-police personnel, unless authorized by law; (b) identification of an officer who is responsible for security; (c) storage of the data on closed-network systems, when feasible; (d) continuous monitoring of the database for security breaches;…

    Read more: § 6.04. Security
  • (a) Agency personnel should be permitted to access a policing database only for legitimate policing objectives, which should be specified in a written policy governing the use of the database that meets the requirements of § 6.01(c). (b) The policy should make clear: (1) the predicate level of cause that must be present to justify…

    Read more: § 6.05. Police Access to Databases
  • (a) Policing agencies should maintain an unalterable record of every instance in which policing databases have been accessed. The record should include: (1) when the access occurred; (2) the purpose of the access and the type of data accessed; (3) who accessed the data; and (4) the method of access (in particular whether an algorithm…

    Read more: § 6.06. Accountability