Bureau of Criminal Identification
The Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) provides information and identification services that assist law enforcement agencies detect and apprehend criminals, that promote public and officer safety, and that support the criminal justice system in the prosecution, adjudication, and correctional supervision of offenders.
BCI is the State’s central repository of criminal records, fingerprints, and crime statistics. Consistent with that role, it also coordinates terminal access to the Idaho Public Safety and Security System, known as ILETS through training and compliance activities, serves as the control terminal agency for the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), and operates the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS).
Recipients of BCI services and assistance include every component of the criminal justice community: local, state, and federal. BCI also directly interacts with and serves the general public through some of its functions, BCI strives to be customer-driven and service-oriented. Efforts are continually underway to improve operations and thereby meet the demands of the criminal justice community for immediate access to information and for swift and accurate criminal identification.
Programs
The BCI trainers and auditors train both criminal justice personnel and private entities (who are authorized to access criminal history data) on subjects ranging from taking fingerprints to protecting the integrity of the data. System integrity and personal security is ensured through periodic compliance reviews.
As authorized by law, criminal history information is provided for non-criminal justice purposes, such as employment screening and licensure. The fee-supported applicant program has grown dramatically in recent years as Congress and the Legislature continue to expand background check requirements. Annually, our staff process approximately 55,000 applicant fingerprint cards and conduct about 20,000 name checks.
Central Sex Offender Registry
BCI maintains the central sex offender registry, which is distinct and separate from the criminal history record system. An offender subject to the law must register annually with a sheriff who forwards a fingerprint card and photograph to BCI. The registry is automated and available to criminal justice agencies in Idaho via ILETS and limited information is available to the public through this site.
Missing Persons Clearinghouse
The clearinghouse collects and disseminates information on missing and unidentified persons and provides Amber Alert and CART training to local law enforcement and their partners.
Uniform Crime Reporting Program (UCR)
The UCR program collects and compiles crime data submitted by local law enforcement agencies under the National Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS) and annually, publishes Crime in Idaho. The staff also prepares special statistical reports for law enforcement, the legislature, news media, academic researchers, criminal justice officials, and the public.
Idaho Public Safety and Security System (ILETS) Training and Compliance
ILETS is a dedicated data communication network that links local, state, and federal criminal justice agencies to state records and files and to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), which includes criminal history data and files on wanted or missing persons and stolen property. Motor vehicle and driver's license files from all states are also available through the system. To ensure system integrity, security and prevent misuse, the section provides training and conducts security and compliance audits of all agencies participating in ILETS.