Central Criminal Records Exchange was created by the Virginia General Assembly in 1966 under Chapter 69 of the 1965 Session Laws. It began in a leased office at 12th and Main Streets, Richmond, with twelve clerks processing fingerprint submissions and criminal histories. In 1974 the agency moved to a purpose‑built West Broadway facility, expanding vault capacity to over three million paper records. Operating under the Attorney General but reporting to the Secretary of Public Safety, CCRE is Virginia’s sole repository for criminal history data, receiving records from the State Police, local agencies, the Department of Corrections, and the Department of Juvenile Justice—about 650,000 new entries each fiscal year.
History and Founding of the Central Criminal Records Exchange
The Central Criminal Records Exchange started as a small operation in downtown Richmond. Twelve clerks handled fingerprint cards and paper files by hand. The first location at 12th and Main Street had limited space and basic tools. By 1974, growing demand forced a move to a larger building on West Broadway. This new site included secure vaults for storing millions of records. The agency’s role expanded quickly as more courts and police departments joined the system. Today, CCRE processes around 650,000 new criminal history entries every year. Its original mission remains unchanged: to collect, preserve, and share accurate criminal records across Virginia.
Legal Authority and Statutory Framework
CCRE operates under strict state law defined in § 19.2‑387 et seq. of the Code of Virginia. This statute gives CCRE the power to receive, identify, maintain, and release individual criminal history records. The law requires all felony, misdemeanor, and traffic violation data since 1966 to be stored in the system. Fingerprint minutiae, DNA profiles, and court dispositions are included. The statute also sets audit rules—every twelve months an independent inspector checks that data accuracy meets or exceeds 99.7%. Unauthorized disclosure can lead to fines up to $10,000 and one year in jail. These legal safeguards ensure trust and compliance with both state and federal standards.
Organizational Structure and Governance
CCRE functions as a division within the Virginia Department of State Police. It reports directly to the Secretary of Public Safety but works closely with the Office of the Attorney General. A governance board meets quarterly to oversee policy, budgets, and audits. This board includes the Attorney General, the State Police Superintendent, and the Director of the Department of Criminal Justice Services. Only two agencies are exempt from submitting records: the Department of Corrections (which keeps incarceration data) and the Virginia Department of Health (for certain medical records). All other law enforcement bodies must send finalized case files to CCRE within ten business days.
Data Systems and Technological Evolution
Early recordkeeping relied on index cards and manual filing. In 1979, CCRE adopted magnetic tape storage to handle growing volumes. By 1998, the agency launched the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS), a relational database that improved search speed and accuracy. Today’s data center sits inside the Virginia State Police Complex on Thompson Road. It runs redundant servers and biometric scanners that process about 2,300 fingerprint cards daily. The Automated Criminal History System (ACHS) allows real‑time queries, often completing background checks within 24 hours. These systems support civil employment screenings, licensing, and law enforcement investigations across the Commonwealth.
Record Submission Requirements and Timelines
Local police departments, sheriff’s offices, courts, and state agencies must submit criminal records to CCRE promptly. Finalized cases—including dispositions like convictions, dismissals, or deferred sentences—must arrive within ten business days. The Department of Corrections sends incarceration data separately under its own statute. Juvenile justice records go to CCRE unless sealed by court order. Failure to report on time triggers alerts and may require corrective action plans. House Bill HB 2343 (2019) strengthened these rules by requiring CCRE to identify and apply “unapplied” offense data within thirty days. An automated matching algorithm cut the backlog by 42% in its first six months.
Public Access and Inquiry Procedures
Researchers, employers, legal professionals, and citizens can request information from CCRE through a dedicated liaison office. The office is located in Room 215 of the Virginia State Police headquarters in Richmond. It operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Phone inquiries go to (804) 698‑1500. Certified specialists answer questions about record corrections, access agreements, and fees. The Virginia Criminal History Information Manual (VCHIM) guides all responses. Printed copies are available upon request, and PDF versions can be downloaded online. Requests must follow state privacy laws and federal CJIS Security Policy rules.
Compliance, Audits, and Data Quality
CCRE undergoes annual audits to verify data integrity and compliance. Independent inspectors check sample records against source documents like court dockets and arrest reports. Accuracy must meet or exceed 99.7% for both state and federal standards. Errors trigger mandatory correction plans overseen by the Office of the Inspector General. The agency also tracks inquiry volumes, response times, and system upgrades in yearly reports to the General Assembly. These measures build public confidence and ensure fair treatment for individuals with criminal records.
Role in Background Checks and Employment Screening
Employers across Virginia rely on CCRE for fast, reliable background checks. Schools, healthcare providers, financial institutions, and government agencies use ACHS to screen job applicants. Most civil screenings return results within 24 hours. Authorized users must sign data‑access agreements and follow strict confidentiality rules. CCRE does not make hiring decisions—it only provides factual criminal history data. Employers must comply with federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) rules when using this information.
Relationship with Federal Systems and CJIS Policy
CCRE aligns its operations with the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security Policy. This ensures compatibility with national databases like the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS). Virginia agencies share data securely through encrypted channels. CCRE staff receive specialized training on federal privacy standards. This partnership helps solve crimes that cross state lines and supports nationwide background check programs.
Recent Legislative Changes and Reforms
House Bill HB 2343 (2019) introduced major reforms to improve record accuracy. It required CCRE to create an “unapplied record” database and link missing dispositions to existing files. The law set a thirty‑day deadline for applying new court outcomes. Failure to meet this timeline activates a corrective action plan reviewed by the Inspector General. These changes reduced backlogs and increased transparency. Future legislation may expand access for expungement petitions and juvenile record sealing.
Contact Information and Office Details
For official inquiries, visit the CCRE liaison office in Room 215 of the Virginia State Police headquarters at 7700 Midlothian Turnpike, Richmond, VA 23235. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Call (804) 698‑1500 during business hours. Email requests should include full name, date of birth, and purpose of inquiry. Walk‑in visitors are welcome, but appointments are recommended for complex cases. All requests must comply with Virginia privacy laws.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people ask how to correct errors in their criminal history, how long records stay in the system, and who can access their data. Others want to know if juvenile records appear in background checks or how to request a copy of their own file. Below are detailed answers to the most common questions about CCRE.
How do I request a copy of my own criminal history record from CCRE?
You can request your own record by visiting the CCRE liaison office in person or mailing a written request with your full name, date of birth, and current address. Include a copy of your government‑issued photo ID. There is a small fee for processing. Requests take up to 15 business days. You may also schedule an appointment to speed up the process. CCRE will not release your record to third parties without your signed consent. This protects your privacy and complies with state law.
Can employers access my criminal history without my permission?
No. Employers must get your written authorization before requesting a background check from CCRE. They must also follow federal FCRA rules, which require them to notify you if they take adverse action based on the report. CCRE only shares data with agencies that have signed formal access agreements. Unauthorized access is a crime punishable by fines and jail time. Always ask for a copy of the consent form and keep it for your records.
Are juvenile records included in CCRE’s database?
Most juvenile records are not publicly available. Courts may seal them upon request, especially if the offense was minor or the person has stayed out of trouble. CCRE receives some juvenile data from the Department of Juvenile Justice, but access is restricted to law enforcement and authorized agencies. Sealed records do not appear in standard background checks. If you believe a juvenile record is wrongly disclosed, contact the liaison office immediately.
How long does CCRE keep criminal history records?
CCRE keeps all records indefinitely unless a court orders expungement or sealing. Felony and misdemeanor convictions remain in the system forever. Arrests without conviction may be removed after a set period, depending on the charge. Traffic violations are kept for a shorter time, usually seven to ten years. Expungement petitions require legal action and approval from a judge. CCRE follows court orders exactly and updates its database within ten business days.
What happens if my record contains an error?
If you find a mistake—such as a wrong charge, missing dismissal, or incorrect date—contact the CCRE liaison office right away. Provide proof like a court order or case disposition document. CCRE will investigate and correct the error within 15 business days. If the issue isn’t resolved, you can appeal to the governance board. Annual audits help catch errors early, but public reports are essential for maintaining accuracy.
Can I visit the CCRE office without an appointment?
Yes, walk‑ins are allowed during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday). However, appointments are strongly recommended for record reviews or corrections. This ensures a specialist is available to assist you. Call (804) 698‑1500 to schedule. The office is located in Room 215 of the Virginia State Police headquarters at 7700 Midlothian Turnpike, Richmond, VA 23235.
Does CCRE share data with other states?
Yes, but only through secure federal channels like NCIC and IAFIS. Virginia participates in national criminal history exchanges to support law enforcement and background checks. Data sharing follows strict privacy rules and requires proper authorization. CCRE does not sell or distribute records to private companies outside approved programs.
Official Resources
Virginia State Police – Criminal Justice Information Services
7700 Midlothian Turnpike, Richmond, VA 23235
Phone: (804) 698‑1500
Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
