The database is now expected to provide faster transaction processing, enhanced record monitoring and greater law enforcement flexibility. The system also provides the Michigan State Police (MSP) with the ability to run status reports for local agencies to inform them of missing CHR data, which will help to ensure the completeness of records.
Citizens will benefit from improved search capabilities when conducting name-based criminal history background checks using the Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT). Some of the new capabilities include the ability to auto-generate additional names when hyphenated names and multi-part names are entered; the ability to provide matching values for common nicknames, and a greater significance on driver’s license and social security number when returning matches.
Previously, ICHAT required an exact match on a person’s first and last name in order to return a result. The new system provides the greatest possible chance of finding a potential candidate on a name search.
Another key benefit of the new CHR system is its ability to store applicant fingerprints in the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS). The improved CHR system also includes a Rap Back feature, which allows MSP to notify the submitting agency when a criminal fingerprint is matched to a stored set of applicant fingerprints.
