Mississippi officials discuss accurate criminal history records in Lauderdale County

Lauderdale County law enforcement and court officials heard from representatives of the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation’s Criminal Information Center about the information needed to maintain accurate criminal history records.

The CIC is Mississippi’s central repository for fingerprint records and criminal histories. It also shares information with the FBI’s National Criminal Information Center, houses the state’s National Incident-Based Reporting System crime data and processes expungements.

Officials said accurate records help law enforcement and courts determine whether someone has previous run-ins with the justice system. The information can also appear on background checks and help employers make informed hiring decisions.

CIC officials cited the case of a Mississippi man arrested in November 2021 in connection with sex crimes against a child under 12. A grand jury indicted him in May 2022, and a Webster County jury found him guilty in June 2025. While under indictment, he applied for a job with a neighboring school district, passed a fingerprint background check and worked there for approximately three years.

To establish a criminal history, the CIC relies on law enforcement and courts to submit fingerprints, an arrest tracking number and required information on the fingerprint card. Once a case is closed, court clerks or prosecutors must provide dispositions, including the case outcome and sentencing.

CIC officials said some law enforcement agencies and courts across Mississippi still are not submitting their data. The office is visiting different areas to clarify submission requirements, educate officials about properly submitting records and encourage local participation.

Source: Lauderdale County Sheriff's Office, Mississippi.