Criminal database to be expanded in NC

RALEIGH, N.C. (WAVY) - The statewide expansion of a criminal justice database is in its final phase.

On August 23 and August 24, Vance , Granville , Franklin , Warren , Nash , Wilson and Edgecombe counties will have kick-off events to mark the availability of the Criminal Justice Law Enforcement Automated Data Services (CJLEADS).

CJLEADS started in Wake County in July 2010 as a pilot program and today has over 10,000 users.

The database compiles offender information from  various criminal justice databases into one place. This includes warrants, jail records, court records, parole status and even DMV information.

B.W. Kirby with the Durham County Sheriff's Office said, "with the program, I found out a subject I was looking for was on probation and was able to get the Probation Officer's name and number. She called the subject into her office, and we were able to make the arrest. Without the program I would have never known he was on probation and probably would still be looking for him."

The Office of State Controller said law enforcement officers and criminal justice professionals will be trained on how to use the software.