The West Virginia Criminal History Record Policy refers to the guidelines and regulations established by the state regarding the maintenance and accessibility of criminal history records. These policies aim to protect the privacy of individuals while ensuring appropriate access to this sensitive information by authorized entities. The West Virginia Division of Criminal Justice Services (CJS) oversees the implementation of the Criminal History Record Policy. It ensures that the handling and dissemination of criminal history records adhere to both state and federal laws. The CJS maintains a comprehensive repository of criminal records in the state, providing an essential resource for law enforcement agencies and other authorized users. There are different types of West Virginia Criminal History Record Policies aimed at distinct users and purposes. Some of these policies include: 1. Law Enforcement Agency Policies: These policies outline the procedures and requirements for West Virginia law enforcement agencies to access and utilize criminal history records in their investigations. They define the scope of permissible uses, the necessary safeguards to protect the data, and the protocols for exchanging information with other jurisdictions. 2. Background Check Policies: Employers, educational institutions, and licensing boards often need to conduct background checks on individuals before hiring, admitting, or licensing them. West Virginia has specific policies that regulate the access and use of criminal history records for these purposes. These policies outline the criteria for requesting such information, the consent requirements, and the responsibilities of requesting entities in ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of the data. 3. Expungement Policies: West Virginia also has policies regarding the expungement of certain criminal records. Expungement is the legal process through which an individual can request the erasure or sealing of their criminal record under specific circumstances. These policies provide guidance on the eligibility criteria, the process for filing an expungement request, and the factors considered when evaluating such requests. 4. Public Access Policies: Balancing the need for public safety information with privacy concerns, West Virginia has established policies for public access to criminal history records. These policies define what information is deemed public and accessible under applicable laws. They also establish protocols for obtaining criminal records through online portals, in-person requests, or through designated government entities. In summary, the West Virginia Criminal History Record Policy encompasses various guidelines and procedures for the handling, access, and dissemination of criminal records. These policies ensure the proper use of this information by law enforcement agencies, employers, educational institutions, and others, while safeguarding the privacy and rights of individuals.
Para su conveniencia, debajo del texto en español le brindamos la versión completa de este formulario en inglés. For your convenience, the complete English version of this form is attached below the Spanish version.