How should copies of III data obtained from terminal devices be treated?

Copies of III data obtained from terminal devices should be afforded security due to the sensitive nature of the information contained within. The III, or Interstate Identification Index, maintains criminal history records that include personal identifying information, arrest records, and other private details. Therefore, unauthorized access or disclosure could result in severe privacy violations and potential misuse of that data.

To preserve the integrity and confidentiality of this information, it is vital that copies be handled with appropriate security measures. This means implementing safeguards such as secure storage areas, restricted access to authorized personnel only, and encryption if the data is stored electronically. Treating this data securely helps prevent identity theft, unauthorized access by criminals, and maintains public trust in law enforcement data management practices.

In contrast, storing the data openly would expose it to anyone who might come across it, sharing it with unapproved agencies could lead to breaches of data sharing policies, and printing at will could result in excessive physical copies that can easily be lost or stolen. Therefore, the emphasis on security is crucial in managing III data to protect the individuals connected to that information.