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
As the State’s central repository of arrest and disposition information, BCI maintains automated criminal records on Idaho offenders. Available on-line to authorized agencies, the information is critical to effective decision-making at every phase of the criminal justice process.
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. It also cooperates with other state clearinghouses and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Uniform Crime Reporting Program (UCR)
BCI collects and compiles crime data submitted by local law enforcement agencies under the National Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS). Annually, the UCR staff publishes the collected crime statistics in the widely distributed book, Crime in Idaho. The UCR 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 files on wanted and missing persons and stolen property. Motor vehicle and driver’s license files in all States are also available through the system. To ensure system integrity, BCI staff conducts training and performs audits of agencies participating in ILETS.