System to better track criminal offenders expands

The Criminal Justice Law Enforcement Automated Data Services – or CJLEADS – is a Web-based information system that draws data from across the criminal justice system.

It presents the information in an easy-to-understand, interactive and customizable interface that allows users to get to the information they need to make more informed decisions.

It also allows users to set up watch lists and receive notifications when specified offenders' records change. For example, probation-parole officers would be alerted if offenders they are tracking are charged with crimes anywhere in the state.

For the past year, Wake County was the first test site for the system.

The program will be expanded on Wednesday to Gaston, Lincoln, Cleveland, Person and Caswell counties. It is scheduled to go statewide by 2012. 

“CJLEADS replaces the manual process of looking up historical criminal data from multiple systems, reduces the risk of overlooking critical data and improves the information needs of law enforcement agencies,”State Controller David McCoy said in a statement. “Criminal justice professionals who are now using CJLEADS have reported numerous instances where the program has helped them catch criminals, and saved them time and money as well.”