Introduction to the Misuse of Sensitive Databases

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputies misused statewide informational databases thousands of times in 2023, according to a recent report. First reported in January by the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a self-described online civil liberties organization, LASD deputies improperly used the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System thousands of times over the span of one year, misusing the system to run background checks for concealed carry permits.

Understanding the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS)

The CLETS system provides access to statewide and national databases that include a large cache of sensitive information, including criminal history records and driver’s license and vehicle registration information. Law enforcement agencies are required to report any suspected misuse of the system to the California Department of Justice. EFF’s public records request found that of the 7,635 violations in 2023, roughly 89% (6,789) came just from the LASD.

Requirements and Restrictions of CLETS

CLETS has strict requirements about its use. It can’t be used for personal inquiries, nor can it be used for the purpose of immigration enforcement. Using the system to research concealed carry permits is also strictly prohibited.

Response from the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department

In a statement provided to Los Angeles Public Press, the LASD said the misuse of the system in 2023 was an honest mistake with deputies unknowingly accessing the system due to its own outdated programs. The Sheriff’s Department has since updated its programs and retrained deputies on the proper use of the system, officials told the outlet.

Call for More Action

Mohammad Tajsar, an attorney with the ACLU of Southern California, told LA Public Press that he believed the Sheriff’s Department needed to do more to address misuse of sensitive databases. “CLETS abuse should be grounds for automatic termination given the seriousness of the crime, and criminal charges must be levied against abusers of the system," Tajsar said.

Reporting and Transparency

California law enforcement agencies are required to report any misuse of CLETS during the previous year by at least Feb. 1. Reports from 2024 should already be submitted to the California DOJ, but EFF says it takes months for that information to become available. The nonprofit organization has compiled the yearly tallies of misuse of CLETS from 2019 to 2023, which can be viewed and downloaded on its website.

Conclusion

The misuse of sensitive databases by LASD deputies highlights the need for stricter controls and penalties for such abuses. The actions taken by the LASD to update its programs and retrain deputies are steps in the right direction, but more needs to be done to ensure the integrity of these systems and to protect individual privacy.

FAQs

• Q: What is the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS)?
  A: CLETS is a system that provides access to statewide and national databases containing sensitive information such as criminal history records and driver’s license and vehicle registration information.
• Q: How many times were LASD deputies found to have misused CLETS in 2023?
  A: According to the report, LASD deputies misused CLETS thousands of times in 2023, with roughly 89% of the 7,635 violations coming from the LASD.
• Q: What actions has the LASD taken in response to the misuse?
  A: The LASD has updated its programs and retrained deputies on the proper use of the system.
• Q: What does the ACLU of Southern California propose should happen to deputies who misuse CLETS?
  A: The ACLU proposes that CLETS abuse should be grounds for automatic termination and that criminal charges should be levied against abusers of the system.