Pennsylvania Criminal History Record Policy The Pennsylvania Criminal History Record Policy refers to the regulations and guidelines set forth by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania regarding the handling, access, and release of criminal history records. These policies are crucial in ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and confidentiality of criminal history information, and they play a significant role in the criminal justice system, law enforcement agencies, employers, licensing boards, and the public. Under Pennsylvania law, the central repository for criminal history records is the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), which maintains an extensive database known as the Pennsylvania Instant Check System (PICS). The PICS gather and stores information related to arrests, charges, convictions, and other criminal activities at both the state and national levels. Multiple types of Pennsylvania Criminal History Record Policies exist to cater to different entities and purposes. These policies include: 1. Noncriminal Justice Users: This policy governs the access and dissemination of criminal history records primarily for non-law enforcement personnel, such as employers, licensing agencies, volunteer organizations, and educational institutions. It outlines the requirements, procedures, and limitations for obtaining and using criminal history records for employment screening, licensing determinations, volunteer selection, and other non-criminal justice purposes. 2. Criminal Justice Users: Specific policies apply to criminal justice agencies, including but not limited to police departments, district attorneys' offices, courts, and correctional institutions. These policies establish guidelines for accessing and using criminal history records in the course of criminal investigations, prosecutions, supervisions, and other legitimate law enforcement purposes. They ensure that criminal justice agencies follow proper procedures and comply with applicable laws when handling and sharing such sensitive information. 3. Expungement and Limited Access: Pennsylvania also has policies related to the expungement and limited access to certain criminal records. These policies specify the criteria under which an individual can request the sealing, expungement, or limited access of their criminal history records, ensuring fair and equal opportunities for individuals seeking rehabilitation and reintegration into society. 4. Protection of Personal Information: Given the sensitive nature of criminal history records, Pennsylvania has strict policies in place to protect the personal information contained within these records. These policies establish safeguards to prevent unauthorized access, use, or disclosure of individuals' criminal records, ensuring compliance with state and federal privacy laws, such as the Pennsylvania Personal Information Protection Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FER PA). The Pennsylvania Criminal History Record Policy aims to strike a balance between providing access to necessary information for legal and legitimate purposes while upholding individual privacy rights and maintaining the accuracy and confidentiality of criminal history records. These policies help to create a fair and transparent criminal justice system that benefits both the public and the individuals involved.