The Criminal History Record Dissemination Unit was established as a result of changes to the Code of Iowa in 1996, for the purpose of providing Iowa criminal history record information to the public. The Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is the central repository for criminal history record information for the State of Iowa. This means, by law, all arrest and disposition information (with the exception of most simple misdemeanors) is to be forwarded to the DCI by all law enforcement agencies and clerks of court in the state. The criminal history records we maintain are all supported by fingerprints for identification. Although we only require a name, date of birth and gender for a record check request, we have the ability to utilize fingerprints we maintain to verify identity, when necessary. For a fee, the Criminal History Record Dissemination Unit provides Iowa criminal history record information to various entities, including businesses, schools, daycare's, healthcare facilities and law enforcement agencies.
In addition to providing State of Iowa criminal history record information, the Criminal History Record Dissemination Unit also facilitates the process for organizations, not individuals, requesting fingerprint based national criminal history record information through the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Criminal Justice Information Services Division (FBI/CJIS). In order to obtain national criminal history record information through the FBI/CJIS, an organization must either obtain statutory authority through state legislation or must qualify under an established federal program with approval from the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Criminal History Dissemination Unit.