Captain Thomas W. Turner, Division Commander
Location:
Administrative Headquarters
7700 Midlothian Turnpike
Richmond, VA 23235
Mailing Address:
PO Box 27472
Richmond, VA 23261
Fax: 804-674-2918
Phone: 804-674-2147
E-mail: CJIS@vsp.virginia.gov
Operations:
Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) 804-674-6746
Central Criminal Records Exchange (CCRE) 804-674-6724
Criminal History Record Check 804-674-6718
Non-Criminal Justice Interface (NCJI) 804-674-4683
Firearms Transaction Center
Live Scan 804-674-6746 or e-mail
Newsletters
Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry 804-674-2825
Uniform Crime Reporting 804-674-2143
Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) 804-674-2028
Virginia's Missing and Exploited Children 804-674-2265
The Criminal Justice Information Services Division (CJIS) oversees State operations involving:
- National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NLETS)
- National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
- Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN)
These systems provide criminal justice agencies throughout Virginia with rapid access to local, state and national files related to:
- wanted or missing persons
- stolen property including motor vehicles
- escapees
- hazardous material spills
- severe weather conditions
- airplane crashes
CJIS also operates the Central Criminal Records Exchange, Sex Offender Registry, Missing Children Information Clearinghouse, Automated Fingerprint Identification System, and the Firearms Transaction Center. Additional information on these programs, including references to statutes contained in the Code of Virginia, are available via the links provided at the top of this page. Please e-mail specific questions to: Lt.CJIS@vsp.virginia.gov.
The following forms can be viewed, downloaded and/or printed from the Virginia State Police Forms page:
- SP-24, National Criminal Background Check For Employees or Volunteer Providing Care To Children, the Elderly and Disabled
- SP-167, Criminal History Record Request
- SP-230, Name Search Request Form for Criminal History Record and/or Sex Offense and Crimes Against Minors Registry Search
- SP-266, Name Search Request Form for Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Search
- SP-69, Firearms Dealer Registration
- SP-190, Firearms Show Notification Form
- SP-115, Application for Machine Gun Registration
- State application for employment
January 2010
July 2009
January 2009
July 2008
January 2008
July 2007
January 2007
July 2006
January 2006
July 2005
You may download a free copy now by clicking on the Get Acrobat Reader button below.
How long does it take to receive a response when a Criminal Record and/or Sex Offender Name Search Request form is submitted?
The average response time to a request is 12-15 business days. If somewhat more time has elapsed, you may call (804) 674-2024 to request a status check of your submission. Responses to telephone inquiries are returned at 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily.
Why have I not received my Sex Offender Address Verification/Re-registration form in the mail?
If you have changed your address of residence, and did not re-register the change of address as required by law within three (3) days of relocating, you will not receive your verification forms in the mail and are in violation of the law. Accordingly, you must immediately report to the nearest State Police or local law enforcement agency and submit your change of address and/or change of employment as required. If you have not moved and/or you have complied with all registration duties and have not yet received the re-registration form, have your Registry Number available and phone (804) 674-3086.
I am a registered sex offender from another state. Your Registry does not include the charge for which I was required to register in that state. Am I required to register in Virginia?
State statute requires an offender relocating to Virginia to register if he/she has been convicted of a "substantially similar charge" as those requiring registration in Virginia. Also, the law requires that a sex offender who must register in the state in which he was convicted to register in Virginia when he moves to the Commonwealth, regardless of whether the underlying criminal offense is similar to a Virginia offense. Persons whose offenses are similar to Virginia law will be registered either as a violent or non-violent offender as was done prior to July 1, 2005.
Can I receive community notification of sex offenders in my area?
Effective July 1, 2006, community notifications are available to certain entities and the general public.
Section 9.1-914 authorizes the Central Criminal Records Exchange (CCRE) of the Virginia Department of State Police to electronically notify an individual conducting *Child Day Care or Child-Minding Services, public, religious or private educational institution, including any preschool, elementary school, secondary school, post-secondary school, trade or professional institution, or institution of higher education. STATE REGULATED or LICENSED child care institution, child day center, child day program, foster home or group home, nursing home or certified nursing facility, of the registration of a sex offender residing within the same or contiguous zip code as the entitled organization or entity. *See Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry (Public Notification Database) for details.
If entitled, there are two methods to obtain this information. All entities requesting notifications that have Internet access (EMAIL ADDRESS) the Registry will provide the notifications electronically. If your entity does not have the availability of Internet access, the community notification will be mailed by U. S. Mail and will be charged a fee. The public can only request electronic community notifications by means of the Internet. All invalid e-mail addresses will be deleted from the database daily and any person or entity that has any new e-mail address must register again to receive these notifications.
Those not so entitled can still search the online Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry (Public Notification Database).
How can I check whether or not a person has a record in the Virginia Sexual Offenders Registry for employment screening or other purposes?
The Internet website Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry (Public Notification Database) is available to the public to access both classifications of sex offenders by entering a person's name, zip code, or county/city. There is no cost for this search.
You may also complete the Sex Offender & Crimes Against Minors Name Search Request Form (SP-266). The average response time for a request is 12-15 business days. The form may be downloaded from our Forms and Publications page for your use, or accommodate larger orders, you may call our voice mail system at (804) 674-2024 or fax (804) 674-8529 to order forms. The cost for this search is $15.00 per individual.
Are there any restrictions that an offender cannot live near a school or day care facility?
Effective July 1, 2006, and thereafter, a law passed that prohibited offenders from residing within 500 feet of a school or day care facility; however, if the offender resided at that residence prior to July 1, 2006, the offender can remain at that residence. If that offender moves from that location, he/she cannot move back to that residence.
I am interested in reviewing the laws that govern the Virginia Sex Offender Registry. Can you please provide me the instructions to obtain this information via the Internet?
You can review all the statutes that govern the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry (Public Notification Database) by accessing our the Virginia General Assembly website at http://legis.state.va.us/. Click Law ... Code of Virginia. In the Search block type 9.1-900 and click Submit. Results appear. Click 9.1-900 (blue link):
The statute for the Purpose of the Registry will appear. Once you have reviewed this statute, continue clicking "NEXT" at the top right of screen to review additional sections. You can review the entire registry from § 9.1-900 through § 9.1-918 of the Code of Virginia.
I am a registered sex offender and moving to another state. What am I required to do before I move?
If the new residence is located outside of the Commonwealth, the offender shall register in person with the local law-enforcement agency where he previously registered within 10 days prior to his change of residence.
Can a juvenile convicted of a sex offense be required to register?
Any juvenile tried and convicted in the circuit court of one of the offenses requiring registration pursuant to §9.1-902 of the Code of Virginia must register. Effective July 1, 2005, juveniles over the age of 13 at the time of the offense, who are tried as a juvenile and are adjudicated delinquent, are also included within the registry if the trial Court determined that the circumstances of the offense require offender registration and ordered the juvenile to register pursuant to § 9.1-902(C) of the Code of Virginia.
I have been informed that I have a criminal record, and I do not. What can I do?
You may challenge the existence or accuracy of criminal history record information by reporting to the nearest State Police or local law enforcement office. You will be required to properly identify yourself and request to be fingerprinted for the purpose of challenging an inaccurate criminal record. The law enforcement official will submit your fingerprints, along with a cover letter on their department’s letterhead, to the Central Criminal Records Exchange (CCRE).
Additionally, you may challenge the criminal record in person at State Police Administrative Headquarters, 7700 Midlothian Turnpike, Richmond, Virginia. Questions concerning challenges may be directed to 804-674-2824 or 804-674-6724.
What is the procedure for a person living outside of U. S. to obtain a copy of their criminal record?
You may obtain a copy of your criminal record by submitting a Criminal History Record Request (SP-167) form which can be downloaded from this Web site. The form requires a notarized signature and a fee of $15.00 is assessed for each request. Allow approximately 12-15 business days for processing.
Can I obtain criminal history information on someone else?
In order to obtain criminal history information on another individual, you must obtain their consent for release of the record by completing a Request for Criminal History Information Form (SP-167) which can be downloaded from this Web site. The form requires the notarized signature of the requestor, as well as the person named in the record, and a fee of $15.00 is assessed for each request. The results will contain conviction information maintained in Virginia’s files. Please allow approximately 12-15 business days to receive your response.
We need to conduct numerous employee criminal record name searches in the state of Virginia. How can we be authorized to request criminal record electronically?
There is a program called the Non-Criminal Justice Interface (NCJI). The agency must be a Virginia based company, have a PC with access to the Internet, and enter into an agreement with State Police. To initiate this service or request additional information, please write to the Department of State Police, Criminal Justice Information Services Division, P. O. Box 27472, Richmond, Virginia 23261-7472 or you may call (804) 674-6721 for instructions.
What do I need to do to get a copy of my criminal history for employment purposes?
To obtain criminal history information you must authorize the Department to provide your record by completing a Request for Criminal History Information Form (SP-167). The form requires your notarized signature and may be downloaded from this web site. A fee of $15.00 is assessed for each request. The response will contain only conviction information maintained in Virginia's files. Please allow approximately 12-15 business days to receive your response.
Is a concealed handgun permit issued in another state valid or recognized in Virginia?
States with which Virginia has entered into concealed handgun permit reciprocity agreements, or which Virginia will grant recognition, are listed on our Reciprocity and Recognition page.
What is the legal age to purchase or possess a firearm?
A person must be at least 18 years of age to purchase a rifle or shotgun. To purchase a handgun, you must be at least 21 years of age, pursuant to federal law. For statutory regulations concerning underage persons possessing firearms, refer to Virginia Code §18.2-308.7, possession or transportation of certain firearms by persons under the age of eighteen.
What is the legal age to purchase ammunition?
Virginia law does not address age requirements for the purchase of ammunition. Federal law requires an individual to be at least 21 years of age to purchase handgun ammunition, and at least 18 years old to purchase rifle or shotgun ammunition.
What are the laws concerning knives; specifically, the carrying of a non-concealed knife, and are there knife designs, blade sizes, etc., that are prohibited?
Virginia Code Section 18.2-311 describes certain weapons, including some knives, which are illegal to possess in Virginia. Additionally, refer to Virginia Code Section 18.2-308 for specific prohibitions concerning concealed weapons. It is suggested that you contact your county or city authorities to inquire as to whether or not there are applicable local ordinances.
Does one have to have U.S. citizenship to be eligible to purchase a firearm?
A buyer who is not a citizen of the United States must have lawful alien status and must establish that he or she is a resident of a state by providing a valid photo identification and documentation such as a utility bill or lease agreement which would establish that he or she has resided in the state for at least 90 days prior to the date of the sale.
Congress has passed prohibitions that apply to "any alien in the United States in a non-immigrant status" with certain exceptions and a waiver process. Contact the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives if you have questions about these regulations.
What are the laws concerning weapons in Virginia?
Please refer to §§ 18.2-279 to 18.2-311.2. The Code of Virginia may be searched at http://leg1.state.va.us/000/src.htm.
May I travel through Virginia with a firearm in my vehicle?
Please refer to Transporting Firearms through Virginia in this Web site.
What are the disqualifications for the purchase of a firearm?
Please refer to Firearms Purchase Eligibility Test in this Web site.
Is there a restriction on the number of firearms a person may purchase during any period of time?
The 1993 Virginia General Assembly amended and reenacted §18.2-308.2:2, Code of Virginia, making it unlawful for any person who is not a licensed firearms dealer to purchase more than 1 handgun within any 30-day period. The Virginia State Police is responsible for accepting and processing the Multiple Handgun Purchase Application and Multiple Handgun Purchase Certificate, when purchases in excess of one handgun within a 30-day period can be justified. Please refer to Multiple Handgun Purchase Applications in this Web site. There is no restriction on the number of rifles and shotguns that may be purchased during any period of time.
Does the handgun restriction apply in the exchange or trade of a handgun?
A handgun may be exchanged, exempt from the 30-day restriction, as many times as necessary, within a 30-day period of its original purchase as long as the transaction is occurring between the same buyer and seller. The 2002 Virginia General Assembly amended and reenacted §18.2-308.2:2, Code of Virginia, effective July 1, 2002, to provide that the handgun limitation does not apply to a person who trades in a handgun at the same time he or she makes a handgun purchase as a part of the same transaction, provided that no more than one transaction of this nature is completed per day.
Are Virginia concealed handgun permits issued to non-Virginia residents?
Section 18.2-308, Code of Virginia, authorizes the issuance of concealed handgun permits to non-Virginia residents. Please refer to Nonresident Concealed Handgun Permits in this Web site.
Are military personnel considered residents or nonresidents for the purpose of a concealed handgun permit?
Active military personnel, 21 years of age and older, assigned to a Virginia duty post may apply for a Virginia resident permit, which are issued by the circuit court of the county or city in which the applicant resides. Virginia Code Section 18.2-308 authorizes current military service to be considered proof that the applicant has demonstrated competence with a handgun.
What are the laws concerning the private sale of a handgun?
To privately sell a firearm, it is recommended that you safeguard information pertaining to the transaction such as the date the firearm was sold, the complete name and address of the buyer, and the make, model, and serial number of the firearm. The seller and buyer of a handgun must be a resident of the state in which the transfer occurs. Additionally, Virginia’s handgun purchase limitation applies in private transactions. Refer to http://www.vsp.state.va.us/Firearms_MultiplePurchase.shtm for additional information on multiple handgun purchases. Should the firearm ever be located at a crime scene, trace of the firearm will determine the licensed dealer who last sold the firearm and will identify the last buyer of the firearm. To have your name removed from this process, you may consider placing your firearm on consignment with a licensed dealer. This will also ensure that the firearm is transferred only to a lawfully eligible individual.
