The SBI receives, processes and stores information based on fingerprint cards received from law enforcement agencies and prison systems. The SBI links the final disposition information provided by the courts to each entry.
Staff enter fingerprints into the SBI's Computerized Criminal History File (CCH) and index them to the FBI's criminal history files. These fingerprint cards and associated criminal records are accessible to criminal justice and non-criminal justice agencies nationwide.
Specialized Units To provide critical analysis and coordination of essential resources to North Carolina criminal justice agencies, ten specialized units are coordinated by an assistant special agent in charge and/or supervisor.
AFIS & Technical Search Unit Fingerprint technicians perform analysis, comparison, evaluation and verification of fingerprint images to determine identity.
Fingerprint technicians establish criminal history records during the evaluation phase if there is no prior criminal history record. The SBI's fingerprint technicians provide Statewide Automated Fingerprint Identification System (SAFIS) network support and edit electronic fingerprint submissions. SAFIS links a statewide network of Live Scan devices that electronically capture and submit fingerprint images to CIIS. NICS/CCH Unit - National Instant Criminal Search/Computerized Criminal History
The SBI verifies and maintains criminal history data for all Live Scan fingerprint submissions that are electronically added to the Computerized Criminal History File (CCH).
This unit manually enters modifications to Live Scan and mailed-in fingerprint submissions. State and federal records are reviewed and compared, records are verified as belonging to North Carolina, and the SBI takes ownership of the records. The SBI also researches final dispositions for the FBI National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NCIS). North Carolina firearms laws can be found at https://www.ncdoj.gov Federal Prohibitors can be found by following the link: https://www.atf.gov/firearms/identify-prohibited-persons NICS has a website that provides information for the public to use. This website can help the public when needing to file for an appeal on denied transactions as well as applying for a Voluntary Appeal File (VAF), which is an option for those applicants who are continuously delayed - then proceeded.
Civilian Services Unit The SBI processes non-criminal justice name and fingerprint background checks for more than 5,000 non-criminal justice agencies and criminal justice applicant fingerprint cards for law enforcement agenices in all 100 counties of North Carolina
State and Federal laws offer individuals the right to request a copy of their criminal history record for the purposes of personal review and to ensure that it is complete and accurate. Click here to find out more information on how to obtain a copy. The SBI also provides information for petitioners seeking restoration of firearms rights. Petitioners must complete a consent form for a criminal record check which the SBI processes for the restoration of firearms rights. (Click here for Restoration of Firearm Rights form). For assistance, contact Customer Service by: Email: CIIShelp@ncsbi.gov Phone: 919-582-8660 Access Integrity Unit State and national criminal history information is available to approved agencies for licensing and employment. To access SBI's criminal history records, North Carolina law requires an ordinance, federal mandate, state statute or Governor's executive order for non-criminal justice agencies to have access to SBI criminal history records. Concealed Handgun Unit The Concealed Handgun Permit Unit processes fingerprints of applicants who have applied for a concealed handgun permit through the sheriff’s office of their county of their residence. A search by applicant descriptive data and fingerprint comparison against state and federal computerized criminal history files is performed in an attempt to locate any existing criminal history record information. Results of the search are then provided to the respective sheriff’s office, who then makes the determination on issuance of the permit. Expungment Unit The SBI processes expungement petitions and orders, reviewing each petition to determine if information is accurate and statutory requirements are met. See NCGS Article 5: Expungement of Records.
The SBI checks criminal history files in the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and forwards the completed petitions to the N.C. Administrative Office of the Courts.
When a court order is received, the designated criminal history information is expunged from the North Carolina computerized criminal history files and the record is removed from the State Automated Fingerprint Identification System. An expunction of North Carolina computerized criminal history will not affect any criminal history originating in another state.
Compliance Unit
The SBI audits the use and entry of criminal history record information by local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies within the SBI-maintained Division of Criminal Information Network (DCIN) which further links to the FBI-maintained National Criminal Information Center (NCIC). The audit helps ensure that the information is complete, accurate, up-to-date and that agencies adhere to all federal and state policies. Non-criminal justice entities which have access to criminal justice information are also audited. In addition, the SBI maintains the statewide EVOLVE database for CIIS record validations and the statewide nextTEST and CJIS Online programs for Security Awareness Training. Auditors are also tasked with assisting sheriffs' offices with concealed handgun permit entry issues and the weekly printing of concealed handgun permits. The SBI is responsible for assigning agency ORIs in accordance with federal regulations. Sex Offender Coordination Unit
The SBI manages the content on the N.C. Sex Offender Registry website and ensures compliance with state and federal regulations. Every week, this unit mails individual verification letters to registered offenders and conducts quality assurance checks of data entered into state and federal databases.
The Sex Offender Coordination Unit provides support to North Carolina county sheriffs with registration and management of sex offenders. This unit also works closely with other states to track and monitor offender movements nationwide.
Crime Reporting / Criminal Statistics / Traffic Stops Unit The SBI administers crime reporting standards for North Carolina and provides support for the 475 law enforcement agencies that participate in the FBI's National Incident-Based Reporting System, Uniform Crime Reporting Program.
SBI crime statisticians collate and analyze data collected by the SBI to assure quality control. The data is then compiled into the Uniform Crime Report and disseminated throughout the state and country. This information about crime reporting statistics is used by the governor, the legislature, local governments, the news media and the public.
The SBI maintains and analyzes all traffic stops data by local law enforcement in North Carolina. SBI special agents who make traffic stops based upon a motor vehicle violation pursuant to Chapter 20 of the NC General Statutes also participate.
Participants in the Traffic Stop Reporting Program include: all state law enforcement officers; law enforcement employed by county sheriffs or county police departments; officers employed by police departments in municipalities with a population of 10,000 or more persons; officers employed by police departments in municipalities employing five or more full-time sworn officers for every 1,000 in population, as calculated by the division for the calendar year in which the stop was made. Training Unit The Criminal Information and Identification Section (CIIS) Training Unit is responsible for developing and teaching courses to law enforcement and criminal justice personnel. Training includes operation and use of the state's criminal information network (DCIN). Training specialists serve as regional instructors assigned to each SBI District Office to assist local, state and federal agencies. They serve as coordinators for various CIIS programs and manage state certifications which allow law enforcement agencies to review SBI and FBI criminal records.
Services include evaluating training needs, researching course content, designing course objectives, constructing outlines, composing course narratives, compiling measures of evaluation or testing, scheduling training sessions, assimilating course materials and presenting classroom instruction.
Training specialists also assist with on-site criminal justice agency audits.