Knowledge of The Law Enforcement Automated Data System (LEADS)

An Introduction to LEADS

Currently being used by over 900 law enforcement agencies, the LEADS program serves as the primary point of entry for crime information and criminal justice. LEADS is an acronym for the Law Enforcement Automated Data System. This suite of services that resources such as local and state law enforcement agencies, regional information sharing projects and Fusion Centers with quickly accessible useful data.
Under the auspices of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, the LEADS program is a partnership between the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCI) as well as the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
These systems are utilized in various ways to help solve crimes every day—ranging from entering warrants into LEADS that results in stolen vehicles being apprehended on Ohio highways to other reasons that LEADS databases are utilized by law enforcement agencies .
Some of the more commonly used databases that are housed within LEADS are: These databases are in turn utilized by a number of different "users" such as law enforcement agencies, courts, and correctional institutions.
BCI and LEADS are responsible for entering and maintaining records in these databases while users within law enforcement as well as other government entities access these databases for information on criminals and criminal activity. LEADS receives technical support from the Ohio Department of Administrative Services Office of Information Technology as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation in support of LEADS activities.

What Are The Main Features of LEADS

LEADS (Law Enforcement Automated Data System) is the information repository of the Ohio Law Enforcement community, used by all 927 police and sheriff departments, and 50 other state agencies to improve public safety. A robust, centralized storage system, LEADS would be the law enforcement community’s equivalent of the private sector’s "cloud" network. It enables officers to work with the same information simultaneously, regardless if they are in the field or at their desk. With user-friendly software based on statewide standards, LEADS provides real-time access for officers in the field. Access is provided via mobile data terminals (MDT) in police and sheriff cars to provide remote access to the LEADS system so the officer can use the "on the spot" access for their investigations. MDTs must meet minimum specifications established by the Highway Safety Office, and the state provides grant funding for MDT purchases. Currently, 88 percent of Ohio agencies have MDTs, and roughly half of those have laptops with wireless communication capabilities so they can access LEADS from their vehicles. LEADS also includes an end-user password-protected program, called "LOK8," which allows officers in the field, dispatchers or investigators to enter suspect or vehicle information and request information about stolen vehicles, missing persons, crime activity, on-going investigations, violent offenders, and sex offenders living in close proximity to their location. Imagine an officer at 2 a.m. using a laptop embedded in the vehicle to search whether a given vehicle has been stolen from a neighboring county – the software produces a "YES" or "NO" answer so the officer can proceed accordingly without going back to the station house to request a dispatcher to conduct the check. The LOK8 program is available to all 927 Ohio law enforcement agencies, and logos for law enforcement agencies can be uploaded for their personnel. More than 80 percent of assigned agencies currently use the program, which is available through a secure internet connection.

The Advantages of Using LEADS in Law Enforcement

Maintaining order is essential to protecting the general public. There are many tools of enforcement, from training to radio communication systems, but some of the most prevalent are law enforcement databases. One of the most widely used in Ohio is the Law Enforcement Automated Data System (LEADS). With access to a few keystrokes, police officers have at their fingertips information about everything from warrants to driver’s license plates.
LEADS functions 24/7 to help police officers learn more about criminal activity across the state of Ohio. It works in tandem with the Computer-Aided Dispatch System (CAD). CAD allows for officers to electronically dispatch records and share information.
While both are extremely beneficial to law enforcement, there are numerous benefits that come along with using the system. One of the most recognized benefits of LEADS is its ability to keep officers safe. Because it provides them with pertinent information before they reach a scene, it gives them a better handle on a situation and ensures that they are prepared to face any potential threats.
Another benefit is that it can help an officer make informed decisions that can help safeguard everyone involved. For example, if a police officer knows that the individual they’re dealing with has a history of violence, they can be better prepared to diffuse the situation or call for backup before they reach them.
LEADS also helps to increase the efficiency of law enforcement by allowing for quick, easy access to information related to a crime or offense. This process allows for officers to spend less time determining what happened by accessing a wealth of information whenever they need it.
These benefits are just a few of the ways in which LEADS helps to safeguard the general public and law enforcement. Creating and maintaining law and order is increased through the work LEADS does to assist police officers.

Concerns and Controversies

Concerns and Challenges
The Law Enforcement Automated Data System is no different from any other criminal background check database in that it can be the subject of privacy challenges. While there may be those who feel confident that the system is secure, others have reason to believe this is not the case. A common problem is that people have private information in the database that came from a security clearance form that they filled out 20 or 30 years ago. In many instances, the form stated that no information would be disclosed regarding the applicant at any time other than during the period of the security clearance . So the presence of old information in a database like LEADS can frustrate applicants for security clearances who have been assured by the FBI that such non-disclosure pledges will be honored. Another area of concern is the effect of public access to LEADS. As is the case with many databases, it is possible to use data from LEADS to conduct an Internet search. Public access to information can be seen as a violation of due process. In the case of LEADS, the risk is more because of potential problems than because the problem is actually occurring at this time.

LEADS, and the Data Sharing Issue

The Ohio LEADS Platform gives law enforcement agencies the ability to share and utilize data within their digital systems. For example, a statewide trade program operates in the OLLE system that offers 24-hour services to law enforcement agencies for the physical examination of sex assault victims. LEADS also operates a Sex Offender Registry and distributes the information statewide.
Law enforcement agencies can also utilize Video Security Recordings, or VSRs, from body cameras and police cars in any case working through LEADS, for instance. LEADS will search 28 databases to find all matches related to the original inquiry. LEADS also contains hundreds of data sets for sex offenders, missing persons, and other crime-related information. Because this information involves felony or misdemeanor investigations, privacy interests are considered and are protected from unauthorized disclosure.
In addition, organizations can post records into automated systems through the LEADS gateway, with information from their client databases. LEADS will then immediately index the information into its records for easy and immediate access for investigations.
Law enforcement agencies can also access databases relating to homeland security, criminal identification, asset forfeiture, tracking of dangerous chemicals, arson, bombings and explosives, or other crime-related databases. In fact, there are 25 other such databases, including gang information, drug abuse, property and weapons, and counterterrorism.
Interoperability and integration capabilities permit seamless data sharing between law enforcement agencies, which generates huge efficiencies. These systems and databases drive statewide reporting, better sharing of information, and allow for more effective operations and crime fighting.

The Road Ahead for LEADS

Law Enforcement Automated Data System ("LEADS"): Future Development
Future iterations of the LEADS system promise to expand on the LEADS 2018 modernization program. New functionality will steadily introduce additional features to improve its operational capacity. Future enhancements will fully re-align LEADS with national standards, introducing new data and services, and a new password management system. In addition, an incentive program is underway to encourage counties to upgrade from non-protocol LEADS terminals to protocol LEADS terminals, which support Internet protocols over dial-up protocols. As of early 2018, 25 counties have upgraded, with over 100 more counties using dial-up protocols. Future upgrades will provide better services and reduce the reliance on older protocols. Reducing the cost of the LEADS terminals is also being explored. As new legislation is enacted, additional intelligence such as information about any individuals or organizations subject to protection orders will be added. The functionality from several legacy systems, including the Protection Order Law Enforcement Database ("POLARIS") will also be incorporated into LEADS. Other content that will be migrated into LEADS includes data about untested sexual assault kits , outstanding warrants, missing children, and gun surrender information. In addition to improving the existing functions of LEADS, some new features are planned. For example, the Ohio Investigative Unit wants access to LEADS to allow it to quickly share and act on investigative information. In addition, LEADS is expected to provide centralized data for search personnel during natural and man-made emergencies. Data about unidentified persons, unclaimed bodies, and information provided by the United States Marshals Service will also be included. While LEADS will not include an actual "summons" function, the ability to process a summons, a no-show case, hearsay evidence and probable cause will be included. Another interesting addition will be an "I’m Alive" feature, which requires officers to scan a barcode if they are alive and on duty at the end of their shifts. In closing, at least 25 LEADS conferences are currently scheduled at numerous Ohio locations in 2018. This year LEADS will be held on September 4 in Shaker Heights, September 11 in Columbus, September 12 in Columbus, September 18 in Sandusky, September 19 in Dayton, September 25 in Westerville and September 27 in Urbana.