Our mission is to continuously address, improve, sustain and enhance public safety in the State of Arizona through the coordination, cohesiveness and effectiveness of the Criminal Justice System.
Criminal Justice Systems
- Overview
- Strategy
- Policy Team
- Technical Team
- GJXDM Group
- NICS
- Criminal Statutes
- Records
- Links
- Forensic Crime Lab
- Current Projects
- Cold Case Clearinghouse
This program enhances the overall efficiency, accuracy, and timely accessibility to criminal history records and data for criminal justice practitioners at local, county and state levels. This area is supported through National Criminal History Improvement Program (NCHIP) and Criminal Justice Records Improvement Program (CJRIP) grants and works with stakeholders to assess, determine and develop implementation strategies for criminal history record improvement throughout the state. This program area also oversees the forensic crime laboratory and jail enhancement projects.
The Arizona Records Improvement and Information Sharing Strategy (AZ Strategy - formerly known as AZ ICJIS), is a plan for criminal justice business process improvements and development for a statewide network of criminal justice information sharing systems. The Arizona Criminal Justice Commission (ACJC) is the coordinating agency for the elements of the AZ Strategy.
Since 1995, ACJC has been the State Administering Agency (SAA) for federal funding through the National Criminal History Improvement Program, directed at improving the completeness of criminal history records in the state of Arizona. ACJC also administered funding for the Criminal Justice Records Improvement Project, funded through the federal Byrne grant. ACJC continues to work with state and local agencies to leverage funding for criminal justice automation projects.
The vision for the strategy is to enhance public safety and security for Arizona citizens through a collaborative justice information sharing environment while protecting the privacy of citizens and confidentiality of information.
Under the guidance of ACJC, stakeholders have formed a governance structure to guide record improvements, automation and integration projects according to a statewide strategic plan through 2017. This includes a Policy Team and a Technical Team that report to the Commission.
ACJC continues to guide the process through the following goals and objectives:
GOAL 1 – Improve criminal records quality by increasing the timeliness, accuracy, completeness and accessibility of record information.
Objective - Identify opportunities to enhance the automation of information delivery, the effectiveness of programs, and the efficiency of operations.
Objective - Promote records improvement collaboration across the flow of the criminal justice system.
GOAL 2 – Enhance information sharing across jurisdictional boundaries.
Objective - Develop a conceptual framework that supports information sharing leverages initiatives and opportunities.
Objective - Pursue avenues that enhance the connectivity of disparate components, systems and databases to promote seamless information delivery.
Policy Team
The Policy Team is responsible for developing a set of guiding principles for the efficient and effective sharing of criminal and juvenile justice information among users throughout the state. The Policy Team will monitor overall project compliance with established statewide and national policy, information technology standards and initiatives. The Policy Team follows a set of established goals and objectives.
Policy Team Mission
The Policy Committee establishes, directs and supports approved strategies for statewide policy development and deployment of strategic initiatives.
The Technical Team was established to research, analyze, and provide information technology recommendations that support criminal history information sharing across the state of Arizona. Team members are highly respected technology leaders representing various criminal justice agencies.
Technical Team Mission
The Mission of the Technical Team is to support the strategic plans, business goals and objectives established by the Policy Team.
The National Information Exchange Model (NIEM)
NIEM is a partnership of the U.S. Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. It is designed to develop, disseminate and support enterprise-wide information exchange standards and processes that can enable jurisdictions to effectively share critical information in emergency situations, as well as support the day-to-day operations of agencies throughout the nation.
Program Manager of Information Sharing Environment
In accordance with section 1016 of Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act (IRTPA), the Information Sharing Environment will be the comprised of policies, procedures, and technologies linking the resources (people, systems, databases, and information) of Federal, State, local, and tribal entities and the private sector to facilitate terrorism information sharing, access, and collaboration. The ISE is being designed with one key goal in mind: to combat terrorism more effectively. The IRTPA requires the President to designate an individual to serve as the Program
Manager (PM) responsible for information sharing across the federal government.
GJXDM Overview
The links below are a great starting point for learning more about the GJXDM. Even if you do know what the GJXDM is, these links have in depth information on how to develop and use GJXDM messages. Also available is a searchable knowledgebase and forums you can use to get answers to your questions.
- Definition
- Official GJXDM Home Page
- User Guide
- User Guide (PDF version)
- NCSC GJXDM Home page
- GJXDM FAQ
- Subset Generation
- Knowledgebase and Help Desk
- NLETS
- Global GJXDM Feedback
- Global Justice XML Data Model 3.0.2
- Technical Documentation
- Oasis LegalXML Integrated Justice
- Oasis LegalXML Electronic Court Filing
- IJIS Exchange Document Development
- Justice Reference Architecture
Information Exchange Packages (IEPD's)
The IEPD is used as documentation for any GJXDM compliant message written today. Visit the below links to learn more about how to create an IEPD and to view IEPD's that have been made available by other agencies around the Nation.
- IEPD Guide
- IEPD Clearinghouse(list of IEPD's around Nation)
Law Enforcement National Data Exchange (N- DEx) Information Exchange Package Documentation (IEPD) v. 1.0 [Based on version 1.0 of the National Information Exchange Model] Updated Jan-18-2007
GJXDM Events & Websites
Please, visit the below links to find more about training opportunities or about any major GXJDM events coming up.
- GJXDM User Conference
- GJXDM Workshop
- Training/Events
- Justice Standards Clearinghouse for Information Sharing
The Global Justice XML Data Model (GJXDM) and the National Information Exchange Model (NIEM) are on a clear path to convergence.
GJXDM Technical White Papers
This is a brief list of articles about the use of GJXDM around the Nation.
(ACJC does not endorse any of the products or services listed below.)
- Florida Police Make Data-sharing Progress
- How Law Enforcement Agencies are Implementing GJXDM
- XML: Out of the Shadows
- The Pathway to Success in Information Sharing: Where the Global Justice XML Data Model Is Today
Georgia Tech Research Institute- OJP Releases
Global Justice XML Data Model (GJXDM) Version 3.0 Operational Version
What is the NICS Improvement Act?
The National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) Improvement Act was enacted in the wake of the April 2007 shooting tragedy at Virginia Tech.
The Virginia Tech shooter was able to purchase firearms from a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) because information about his prohibiting mental health
history was not available to the NICS and the system was therefore unable to deny the transfer of the firearms used in the shootings. The NICS Improvement
Act seeks to address the gap in information available to NICS about such prohibiting mental health adjudications and commitments and other prohibiting
backgrounds. Filling these information gaps will better enable the system to operate as intended to keep guns out of the hands of persons prohibited by
federal or state law from receiving or possessing firearms. NICS Home Page Click to Read More
NICS prohibited categories for receiving or possessing a firearm?
What are the federal categories of persons prohibited from receiving or possessing firearms?
The Gun Control Act of 1968, as amended, 18 U.S.C. 921, et seq., establishes categories of persons who are prohibited
from receiving or possessing a firearm. Certain categories of persons under 18 U.S.C. 922(g) are defined as prohibited
possessors.
Reasons NICS Background Checks are Denied or Delayed Click to Read More
- Index Brochure
- Brady Act requirements
- Federally prohibiting categories defined by statute
- State prohibitions
- Submission Process
How the NICS Works?
When a Federal Firearm Licensee (FFL) initiates a NICS background check, a name search is conducted for matching records in three national databases, which contain the names of prohibited persons as defined in the Gun Control Act of 1968.
The majority of NICS checks are completed within minutes of the background check being initiated. If the search comes back with no matches the transaction can be processed. However, if the search does have a match the transaction will be denied. If the transaction is denied, the NICS Section contacts the local criminal justice agencies to provide additional information needed to make a final decision. This verification must be completed within three-business days in accordance with The Brady Act.
What is the NICS?
The NICS is administered by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI). A NICS check includes a check of three databases maintained by the FBI, including the:
- Interstate Identification Index (III), a database of criminal history record information,
- National Crime Information Center (NCIC) which includes information on persons subject to civil protection orders and arrest warrants, and
- NICS Index which includes the information contributed by federal and state agencies identifying persons prohibited from possessing firearms who are not included
in the III or NCIC, such as persons with a prohibiting mental health history or who are illegal or unlawful aliens.
If a NICS check identifies a person as falling within a prohibited category, the Federal Firearm Licensee (FFL) is notified that the transfer is "denied." Individuals can appeal denials and seek the correction of any inaccurate or incomplete information in the FBI databases by either applying to the FBI or the federal or state agency that submitted the information.
NICS contact information
1-877-FBI-NICS (324-6427)
Select Option 2 then Option 5 for NICS E-Check
Facsimile
1-888-550-6427
Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD)
1-877-NICS-TTY
NICS Website:
www.fbi.gov/hq/cjisd/nics.htm
NICS E-Mail Address
[email protected]
What to do if you are delayed or denied under NICS?
If you believe you have been wrongfully denied a firearm transfer or pawn redemption, you may request an appeal.
Some individuals may find they are continuously delayed when purchasing or redeeming firearms. Others may successfully appeal a NICS denial but still experience extended delays or erroneous denials on subsequent transactions. The Voluntary Appeal File (VAF) was established to assist in these types of situations by providing a way for an individual to request the NICS Section’s Appeal Services Team (AST) maintain information to clarify their identity or past events to prevent future extended delays or erroneous denials on firearm transfers. Read More
The Arizona Criminal Justice Commission (ACJC) along with the Department of Public Safety (DPS) & Administrative Office of the Court (AOC) work together to maintain and deliver the Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) Citable Criminal Offense Table. The following table can be used to read or download the ARS Citable Criminal Codes. Please review the "File Layout & Documentation" for information on how to use the table.
| Name | Download | Updated | Text Download |
| Current ARS Criminal Codes |  |
02/01/2020 | Download |
| Historical ARS Criminal Codes | |
02/01/2020 | Download |
| Changes to ARS Criminal Codes | |
02/01/2020 | |
| Release Notes | |
02/12/2020 | |
| File Layout & Documentation |  |
03/31/2016 | |
| ARS Code Abbreviations | |
08/27/2019 |
City & County Criminal, Civil, and Tribal Codes
The Department of Public Safety (DPS) manages the distribution of City & County Criminal, Civil, and Tribal Codes. The following table can be used to read or download Codes. Please review the "File Layout & Documentation" for information on how to use the table.
| Name | Download | Updated | Text Download |
| Current City & County Criminal, Civil, and Tribal Codes | |
02/13/2020 | Download |
| Changes to City & County Criminal, Civil, and Tribal Codes | |
02/13/2020 | |
| Release Notes | |
02/13/2020 | |
| File Layout & Documentation | |
03/31/2016 | |
| Agency Code List | |
10/01/2018 |
Submitting Code Changes
For submitting City & County Criminal, Civil, and Tribal Code changes, please review the following "Procedure for Adds/Updates to Codes" for information on how to update the table.
| Name | Download | Updated |
| Procedure for Adds/Updates to Codes | |
03/22/2019 |
For more information please contact Marc Peoples: [email protected].
Records and Information Processing
Public safety and criminal justice decisions are made daily based on criminal records and criminal justice information. Recordkeeping and information processing are integral parts of the criminal justice process. Vital resources have been allocated at federal, state and local levels to improve records accuracy, timeliness, completeness and accessibility.
Under the authority of the Commission, the Criminal Justice Systems Improvement unit facilitates records improvement activities in accordance with regulatory statutes. In addition, efforts are coordinated with those of the Policy and Technical Teams of the Executive Steering Committee for Integration.
Records Related Resources
AZ Library, Archives and Public Records (LAPR)
Pursuant to ARS § 41-1345, the Records Management Division of LAPR establishes standards, procedures and techniques for records management and provides consultation and training: http://www.lib.az.us/records/
Arizona Ombudsman Citizens' Aide (AZOCA)
The Arizona Ombudsman-Citizens' Aide is an independent agency of the Arizona Legislature responsive to Arizona citizen concerns about state agencies, boards, commissions and departments and issues of public access: http://www.azleg.state.az.us/ombudsman/default.htm
AZPOINT Training
Victim Advocate Training
Servicing Agency Training
AZ Strategy
Arizona Criminal Records Infrastructure Improvement
Criminal History Strategic Plan
Arizona Records Improvement and Information Sharing Background
Criminal History Case Flow
Making the Case for Criminal History Records Integration
Overview of the AZ Criminal Records Integration Project
Consequences of Inadequately Integrated Justice Systems
BJA Technical Brief
Policy & Technical Team
Policy Team Governance Structure (approved 03/30/2006)
Policy Team Process Flow(approved 03/30/2006)
Policy Team Strategic Plan (approved 03/30/2006)
AZ Global Justice XML Data Model (GJXDM)
Process for submitting IEPDs for approval
Arizona Information Exchange Document Packages (IEDP) Arizona State Citation IEDP
(download entire package)
Arizona State Citation (individual package files)
Purpose: To create a generic e-citation for the state of Arizona that can be used to transmit Citation data issued in the field to intake systems (IE - RMS systems). The field requirements are be based on what an Officer in the field is required to complete or may know.
Current Status: Version 1.0. No new versions in development at this time.
Agencies Implemented: Arizona Office of the Courts, Coconino County
Contact the IEPD Team (send email)
Documentation
State Citation IEPD
State Citation Physical Model
State Citation Spreadsheet Map
Schemas
State Citation Document Schema
State Citation Extension Schema
State Citation Subset
State Citation Subset with Documentation
State Citation Extension with Documentation
State Citation Sample xml message
NICS
ACJC
NICS Records Improvement Plan
ACJC NICS in AZ Fact Sheet
FBI
NICS web-site
Videos
NICS Process for Customers
NICS Voluntary Appeals File (VAF)
SEARCH
Web-site
Improving the NICS Screening System Report
BJA
Promising Practices
County Record Briefs
Sharepoint
Arizona Revised Criminal Statutes
ARS Code Abbreviations
Records and Information Processing
Records Retention Scheduling Law Enforcement - August 2007
Document Imaging- August 2007
Paperless Office - August 2007
Public Records- September 2007
Open Meeting- September 2007
Records Improvement and Information Sharing Plan 2008 - March 2008
azlerma.org - March 2010
Law Enforcement Records General Retention Schedule - July 2010
Cold Case Clearinghouse
NAMUS
Maricopa Unidentified Persons
Cold Case Squads and Protocols
Arizona Republic/AZ Central Cold Case Profiles
Training and Funding Opportunities
Publications and Articles
Helpful Links
Victim and Family Resources
DPS Recommendations for Preservation of Biological Evidence
This program is dedicated to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of full service crime laboratories and medical examiner offices in Arizona. State and federal funding is allocated through multiple grant programs to address DNA backlogs, laboratory capacity building needs, and advance Arizona toward collaborative efforts in implementation of a State Laboratory Strategic Plan.
CONDITIONS WITH CONSEQUENCES: AN ARIZONA STATEWIDE NEEDS ASSESSMENT
The primary purpose of this needs assessment is to identify high-level impediments to sharing pretrial conditions of release as they relate to firearms with the FBI National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). The needs assessment also identifies interest and support among the Arizona criminal justice community to share all conditions of release with other Arizona criminal justice stakeholders
Read the full report here
ARIZONA MISSING CRIMINAL HISTORY ASSESSMENT
This assessment examines the current state of missing criminal history in the Arizona Computerized Criminal History System (ACCH) and offers suggestions for addressing missing fingerprints. Every year in Arizona, approximately 10 percent of felony cases are adjudicated without being documented in the Arizona Computerized Criminal History (ACCH) System. Statewide, this means that every year over 5,000 convictions are not recorded in any statewide or federal biometrically based criminal database. Since 2014, this topic has been the subject of extensive review as the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission (ACJC), the Arizona Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) and the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) have partnered to determine the scope and identify the underlying causes.
Read the full report here
ARIZONA STATEWIDE ARREST WARRANT PROCESS (ASAWP)
The goal of the ASAWP Project is to standardize and streamline the exchange of arrest warrant information between participating justice partners throughout multiple jurisdictions.
ORDERS of PROTECTIONS (OP)/INJUNCTION AGAINST HARASSMENT (IAH)
ACJC is conducting fifteen site visits around the state to develop a comprehensive understanding of the business process and identify underlying issues in both policy and legislation. In 2015 ACJC Identified that only 60% of Issued OP’S are actually served and entered into NCIC.
E-CRIMINAL PROJECT
This initiative defined the detailed business requirements and examined the case management systems for County Prosecutors and Superior Courts in Arizona to exchange data system to system. The project developed a high-level system design for implementing this data exchange. Additionally, a Global Reference Architecture compliant NIEM Service Specification Package was developed to represent the electronic FDR. The capabilities for information exchange is demonstrated by a proto-type project coordinated and delivered through the Administrative Office of the Court.
MOBILE FINGERPRINTING IN THE COURTROOM (IN PROGRESS)
The intent of this project is to use mobile fingerprinting technology to assess improvements in the efficacy of fingerprints captured in the courtroom and to review the impact positive defendant identification has on criminal history record processing. The use of mobile two-fingerprint identification devices is expected to enhance the quality of courtroom fingerprinting, determine if valid fingerprints exist in the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS).
Read Full Report here
HISTORICAL WARRANT REPOSITORY (HWR) (COMPLETE)
The purpose of the Historical Warrants Repository Project is to capture and retain cleared and cancelled warrant data to help make informed decisions about establishing bail or bond.
Cold Case Best Practices Clearinghouse
In 2007, the Attorney General's Cold Case Task Force held several public hearings to discuss cold case issues. The Cold Case Task Force released its final report on Dec. 28, 2007. A recommendation of that report was:
It is recommended that the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission be asked to continue with the Cold Case Task Force efforts and bring together members from the criminal justice community to facilitate the drafting of such legislation and identifying "promising practices."
As a result, the Arizona legislature passed SB 1274, which states that ACJC shall "Compile and disseminate information on best practices for cold case investigations, including effective victim communication procedures. For the purposes of this paragraph, 'cold case' means a homicide or a felony sexual offense that remains unsolved for one year or more after being reported to a law enforcement agency and that has no viable and unexplored investigatory leads."
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