What Is CLETS in California?
The California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS) is a crucial resource for law enforcement agencies across the state. It helps ensure public safety by providing rapid access to criminal records, restraining or protective orders, and DMV violations.
If you have any of these records, CLETS allows law enforcement to review your history to identify prior offenses quickly.
CLETS is a computer network that provides police departments with access to national databases managed by the FBI, the California DMV, and other agencies. Access is strictly limited to authorized law enforcement and criminal justice personnel, underscoring its official use only.
Sometimes, authorities improperly access CLETS for non-official purposes, such as checking information for personal use or for friends. When such misuse is suspected, it can be investigated by California's Department of Justice and the Attorney General.
If misconduct is confirmed, the individual may face termination, criminal charges, and civil liability. California restraining or protective orders are frequently recorded in CLETS, including orders for domestic violence, elder abuse, civil harassment, and workplace violence. Let's explore this further below.
Statewide Computer Network
CLETS is a statewide computer network that enables local, state, and federal criminal justice agencies to access, exchange, and share essential information about individuals involved in the criminal justice system.
Managed by the California Department of Justice, CLETS was created to improve law enforcement's ability to protect and serve California citizens effectively.
Currently, CLETS enables authorized law enforcement and criminal justice personnel to access FBI-managed databases, DMV records, and certain other states' databases. The system stores different kinds of information, such as the following:
- criminal records
- driver's license information
- vehicle registration details
- restraining orders, and
- missing persons reports
Its primary goal is to provide law enforcement officers with quick access to essential information, enabling them to make informed decisions during incidents or investigations.
Authorized police can also access CLETS data on the move using a mobile terminal in their patrol vehicles.
What Databases Are Accessible Through CLETS?
Authorized users can retrieve data from various state, FBI, and independent databases through CLETS. This includes, but is not limited to, the following examples:
- National Crime Information Center (NCIC): Managed by the FBI, the NCIC database contains nationwide information on stolen property, missing persons, wanted individuals, and protective orders, among other data.
- International Justice and Public Safety Network (Nlets): Previously called the National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System, this non-profit network enables local, state, and federal criminal justice agencies to share records and data with other agencies across the United States and globally.
- Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS): CJIS is a nationwide network of databases that contains criminal history records, fingerprint data, and biometric information.
- California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV): The DMV supplies vehicle registration details, driver's license information, and accident reports to users authorized by CLETS.
Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI)
CLETS also provides law enforcement with immediate access to Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) within California. This includes nearly all details related to an individual's records within the state's criminal justice system, such as:
- arrest records
- criminal charges
- pretrial proceedings
- sentencing
- incarceration
- information on parole and probation
- rehabilitation programs
- social security information
- date of birth
Who Has Permission to Access CLETS?
Limiting CLETS access to authorized law enforcement personnel who have completed proper training, certification, fingerprinting, and background checks helps the audience feel confident that the system is secure and trustworthy.
This restriction safeguards the security and privacy of the sensitive information within the system.
Personnel must complete a background check and submit their fingerprints before they can operate CLETS or access the system. Additionally, anyone using CLETS must complete system training within 6 months of starting employment.
What is the Status of CLETS Protective Orders?
In California, most protective orders are recorded in the CLETS system, known as CLETS protective orders. This registration enables law enforcement officers across California to verify whether someone has a protective order against them quickly.
For instance, if a police officer suspects domestic violence or abuse during an encounter, they can cross-reference the individuals involved using the CLETS system.
If a protective order is in effect, the officer will recognize the violation and may arrest the violator. This process allows law enforcement to enforce protective orders instantly, even if the protected individual does not have a physical copy of the order.
A restraining order is a court order that prohibits someone (the restrained person) from harassing, abusing, stalking, or threatening another individual (the protected person).
What Are the Implications if the CLETS System Is Misused?
Advocacy groups understandably worry about potential misuse of CLETS, given the sensitive nature of the information it provides. CLETS operates under strict rules and regulations to ensure its use aligns with law enforcement objectives.
Authorized users are expected to access the system solely for "official use only"—for legitimate law enforcement or criminal justice purposes.
Specifically, users are permitted to access CLETS only on a right-to-know and need-to-know basis. Any violation of these guidelines constitutes unauthorized use. Examples of such misuse include:
- Accessing family and friends' files for personal reasons.
- Distributing CLETS data to unauthorized persons;
- Looking up CLETS data on celebrities, high-profile individuals, or for entertainment purposes.
- Any access to information without a legitimate law enforcement purpose.
Understanding that unauthorized use of CLETS can result in disciplinary action, termination, legal penalties, and criminal charges encourages the audience to use CLETS responsibly.
Why You Need a Defense Lawyer
Like other investigative tools used by law enforcement, the CLETS system must not be used to infringe on an individual's legal rights. Police may conduct searches and arrests only with probable cause, including when using CLETS.
Suppose you believe your rights as a defendant have been violated through misuse of the CLETS system. In that case, a knowledgeable California criminal defense attorney can advocate for you to suppress certain evidence or even dismiss the charges.
Reach out to our criminal defense lawyers at the Hedding Law Firm for a case review.
