LD-36 Information Systems Study Guide
Exam And Actual Answers.
CLETS - Answer The California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS)
is a high speed message computer network of local, state, and federal databases and systems. It provides
all law enforcement user agencies with the capability of obtaining information directly from state and
federal
computerized information files, and is maintained by the California
Department of Justice.
Data - Answer Data means a representation of organized information, knowledge, facts, or
concepts collected for a specific purpose. One form of data is the information
stored in the memory of a computer or presented on a display device. A
collection of like or related data is referred to as a database.
Access - Answer Access means to gain entry to, instruct, or communicate with the resources of
a computer, a computer system, or a computer network.
Available systems and databases - Answer Information systems and databases available to authorized
law enforcement
agencies through the CLETS network are noted in the following:
STATE
• Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS)
• Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
NATIONAL
• National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
• National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System
,(NLETS)
OTHER
• Oregon Law Enforcement Data System (LEDS)
• Canadian Police Information Center (CPIC)
NOTE: Some local law enforcement agencies may also maintain their own local systems and databases
not accessible through CLETS.
Local records may contain criminal offender record information and other pertinent information
available only within that
jurisdiction.
Information inquiries - Answer Circumstances where an inquiry into the CLETS may be necessary can
include, but are not limited to:
• locating information on lost, stolen, or recovered property including vehicles.
• conducting a preliminary or ongoing criminal investigation.
• identifying prior criminal history records.
• verifying the validity of a restraining order.
• verifying the validity of a driver's license, vehicle registration, vessel registration, or occupational
license.
• determining if a person is wanted for outstanding warrants.
• determining the status of a person on parole or probation.
• reporting or locating a missing person.
Administrative messages - Answer CLETS also provides a fast and efficient system for the transmission
of "free
text," or administrative messages to other agencies within the state.
,All CLETS messages are confidential and for official use only. Messages should be brief and concise.
Examples of uses of administrative messages via the CLETS network include:
• requests for record validation,
• requests for prisoner pickup and transportation,
• notices such as law enforcement related meetings, training, or seminar announcements,
• requests for mail-back information from databases, or
• information regarding the circumstances surrounding the death of an officer killed in the line of duty.
NOTE: Personal messages, profane or obscene language, or excessive or detailed descriptions are not
appropriate for the CLETS message
system.
NOTE: Terminal Mnemonic (MNE) is the four-character address (terminal name) assigned by the
DOJ/CLETS.
All points bulletin - Answer An All Points Bulletin (APB) is an administrative message that is distributed
or received via CLETS to law enforcement agencies in the state.
APBs may include, but are not limited to:
• major identifiable property items,
• crimes against persons (e.g., murder, rape, etc.) when the suspect's mode of operation or vehicle can
be described sufficiently,
• missing persons or "be on the look out" warnings involving life or death situations, emergencies, or
suspected foul play,
• acts of nature affecting public safety or law enforcement capabilities, or
• deathf uneral notices of personnel on active status killed in the line of duty.
NOTE: Notifications of runaway juveniles, misdemeanor offenses, traffic warrants, or recruitment
information are not appropriate
, for APBs.
Agency policies and procedures - Answer All users of the databases accessed through the CLETS
network must abide by their own agency policies and procedures pertaining to use of the system, how
the system is used, and how the confidentiality of the information is protected.
Authorized access - Answer Individuals authorized physical access to CLETS terminal may be:
• sworn law enforcement personnel,
• nonsworn law enforcement personnel, or
• technical or maintenance personnel (noncriminal justice personnel and private vendors).
Authorized users are subject to a background investigation.
Background investigations include:
- California Department of Justice fingerprint checks, and
- Federal Bureau of Investigation fingerprint checks (if applicable).
Mobile access - Answer Mobile Digital Terminals (MDTs), cellular telephones, or radio transmissions
should not be used routinely for the transmission of criminal history information. These transmissions by
unsecured wireless devices can be intercepted by unauthorized people. However, details of criminal
history information may be transmitted in such a manner if an officer determines:
• there is reasonable cause to believe the safety of the officer and/or the public is at significant risk, and
• there is an immediate need for summary criminal history information, and
• information from other databases (e.g., Wanted Persons, Stolen Vehicles)
would not be adequate.
Examples of justifiable circumstances:
