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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003 Jun 25 - Letter from Criminal History Systems Board Re: CORI Approvalr77 The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety Criminal History Systems Board 200 Arlington Street, Suite 2200 J U L 0 12003 _,. Chelsea, Massachusetts 02150 , PT fr Tel: (617) 660-4600 TTY.- (617) 660-4606 Fax: (617) 660-4613 MITT ROMNEY www. mass. gOV�Chsb EDWARD A. FLYNN Governor Secretary KERRY HEALY BARRY J. LaCROIX Lieutenant Governor Executive Director June 25, 2003 Mr. Robert Hamilton Mid Cape Hoop School 40 Sheffield Road West Yarmouth, MA 02673 Dear Mr. Hamilton: I am pleased to announce that the Criminal History Systems Board (CHSB) has certified Mid Cape Hoop School to access Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and juvenile data through the CHSB. This authorization is conferred by the CHSB pursuant to M.G.L. c. 6, § 172G, which mandates that operators of camps for children obtain all available CORI and juvenile data on employees or volunteers prior to employment or volunteer service. I have enclosed a copy of that law for your perusal. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 6, § 172G, operators of camps for children are entitled to all available CORI and juvenile data. This includes pending case, conviction, non -conviction, and juvenile data. Information obtained under this section shall not be disseminated for any purpose other than to further the protection of children. Please be further advised that the CHSB has provided your agency with automated juvenile data pertaining to individuals born after January 1, 1969. There may be non -automated juvenile data pertaining to individuals born prior to 1969; however, this information is not available from the CHSB and M.G.L. c.6, § 172G does not require that your agency obtain non -automated juvenile data. This certification is valid for a period of two years, at which time you may seek renewal of your certification. Please note that CORI includes Massachusetts data only. Federal regulations currently prohibit the CHSB from disseminating out-of-state criminal case data in this manner. Enclosed is a list of state contacts to assist you in pursuing out-of-state criminal background checks if you desire. It is important to note that CORI access is subject to many restrictions. You may only access CORI as a final step in screening employees and volunteers who are sufficiently qualified in all other respects. Any agency that obtains CORI pursuant to M.G.L. c. 6, § 172G, shall not disseminate the information for any purpose other than to further the protection of children. The willful unauthorized dissemination of CORI is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in a house of correction and/or a fine of not more than $5,000. There are also civil penalties set forth in M.G.L. c. 6, § 177. Please find enclosed a form on which CORI requests are to be made. Note that this form includes a code that has been assigned to your agency. Please copy the form in its present format onto your agency's letterhead and submit all future CORI requests on it. The individual upon whom CORI is sought is not required to sign an' acknowledgment that a record check will be conducted; however, you may so advise the individual if you wish. Also please find enclosed an additional Agreement of Non -Disclosure, which may be photocopied as necessary in the event you wish to expand the number of employees authorized to receive CORI. If you have any questions, please contact us at the number listed above or visit our website at: www.mass.gov/chsb. Sincerely, Barry J. roix Executive ctor/ eneral Counsel BJL/AGK Enclosures Agency Code MCHSC