Managing the CHS
In 1989 a department was established to provide users of the Criminal History System (CHS) and operational officers with support and guidance on how to use the system to the best advantage. This department is now known as SPSA Criminal Justice.
Today the department performs oversight, management and compliance of the CHS. That means we ensure that the data held about an individual on the system is accurate, up to date and compliant i.e. it is allowed to be there. There are strict rules on recording and weeding that is what information can be held and for how long. Our publication scheme provides more details about our recording and weeding policies.
The core service is to provide authorised police users with access to the CHS and the Police National Computer (PNC). Criminal Justice runs a service desk which provides advice and assistance 24 hours, seven days a week for all users and customers who are using both the CHS and PNC.