The Web-based system — being piloted in Wake County by 45 local, state and federal agencies and 2,000 end-users as of last month — integrates criminal data held by the state’s 100 counties.
Called CJLEADS, which is short for North Carolina Criminal Justice Law Enforcement Automated Data Services, the system was built with vendor partner SAS. A user can enter search criteria — anything from an alias to a birth date — for an existing offender, and the system returns a list of photos, physical descriptions, outstanding warrants and court dates. The system features role-based security and can be accessed from within law enforcement buildings or in squad cards via secure, role-based logon.
According to a quarterly report from the state comptroller, 100 percent of respondents indicated that CJLEADS was benefiting their organization, and 99 percent said the system improved their ability to receive offender information more quickly.
“Overall, the survey results indicate that users are extremely positive with the function, content and capabilities of the CJLEADS application,” according to the controller.
One police department participating in CJLEADS reported that it had apprehended a registered sex offender at the state fair with the system’s help, while others said they’ve used the system to serve warrants or track the activities of habitual offenders.
A new version of CJLEADS released last month added Division of Motor Vehicles queries and sex offender registration details.
The system was fully funded by a legislative mandate, which is estimated to cost $27 million, with a $9 million annual fee for ongoing operations. Officials will begin rolling out the system statewide this year.
