874.09 Crime data information.

(1) The Department of Law Enforcement may: (a) Develop and manage a statewide criminal gang database to facilitate the exchange of information pursuant to the intent and purpose of this chapter. (b) Notify all law enforcement agencies that reports of criminal gang members or associates shall be entered into the database as soon as the minimum level of data specified by the department is available to the reporting agency and no waiting period for the entry of that data exists. (c) Compile and retain information regarding criminal gangs and their members and associates in a manner that allows the information to be used by law enforcement and other agencies deemed appropriate for investigative purposes. (d) Compile and maintain a data repository relating to criminal gangs and their members and associates in order to develop and improve techniques used by law enforcement agencies and prosecutors in the investigation, apprehension, and prosecution of members and affiliates of criminal gangs.

(2) Local law enforcement agencies may: (a) After carrying out any arrest of any individual whom they believe is a member or associate of a criminal gang, create or update that individual’s electronic file within the database. (b) Notify the prosecutor of the accused individual’s suspected criminal gang membership or associate status.

History: s. 1, ch. 90-207; s. 41, ch. 96-388; s. 13, ch. 2008-238.