Michigan 2018 NCHIP

The goal of the National Criminal History Improvement Program (NCHIP) is to improve the Nation's safety and security by enhancing the quality, completeness, and accessibility of criminal history record information and by insuring the nationwide implementation of criminal justice and noncriminal justice background check systems. BJS provides direct financial and technical assistance to the states to improve criminal history and other related records and to build their infrastructure to connect to national record check systems both to supply information and to conduct the requisite checks.

Under this award, the Michigan State Police (MSP) will work with Michigan courts and prosecutors to improve the timeliness and accuracy of criminal history information. MSP is requesting funds for several positions within the Criminal Justice Information Center (CJIC) and the MSP Biometrics and Identification Division (BID). The criminal history records (CHR) quality control auditor will establish standards and evaluations for agencies that contribute to the CHR system. This position is accountable for the overall accuracy of the CHR database. Two open case technicians will be responsible for researching open cases associated with concealed pistol license applicants. A booking systems analyst will work with vendors and agencies throughout the state to establish and implement minimum standards, ensuring complete and accurate arrest data. Two fingerprint technicians will work to reduce daily backlogs and improve accuracy and quality of criminal justice information system information. To assist with open case and pending record reduction, funds will provide overtime for CJIC CHR and BID staff to work on essential projects including open case data submitted by local agencies, manual dispositions received from courts, and researching fingerprint cards and missing arrest data. Two firearms records technicians will work to ensure the proper reporting of persons prohibited from possessing firearms for mental health reasons to the NICS Indices.

Significant technological improvements will be made possible through grant funding. Additional improvements are planned for the Michigan prosecutor interface to CHR through the establishment of a centralized prosecutor case management system. Enhancements will transition prosecutors’ offices to a paperless environment and ensure consistency of captured data. Funding will also be used to purchase 15 livescan devices to assist agencies that either do not own a functioning livescan system, or whose system is using outdated and unsupported platforms.

(CA/NCF)