In the fast-paced world of law enforcement, quick and secure access to critical information is crucial to provide assistance to the public, including survivors of domestic violence. This is where the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System, commonly known as CLETS, plays a pivotal role.
What Is CLETS?
CLETS is an advanced telecommunications network that provides law enforcement agencies throughout California with instant access to various state-level and interstate databases.
This system is designed to expedite the transmission of criminal justice and public safety information among police departments, sheriffs’ offices, the California Highway Patrol, and other law enforcement entities across the state and beyond.
At its core, CLETS serves as an information bridge that interconnects with numerous databases, including the National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NLETS), Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS), the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), and DMV records.
CLETS and Domestic Violence
One of the fundamental features of CLETS is its ability to provide rapid dissemination of data such as restraining orders, criminal histories, wanted persons records, vehicle registrations, driver’s license details, stolen properties, firearm registrations, and more. This promptness is crucial when it comes to protecting domestic violence survivors.
- Restraining Orders: CLETS holds information about restraining and protective orders, which are legal documents issued to prevent further harassment or abuse. When a protective order is granted, it is entered into CLETS almost immediately, allowing law enforcement to have real-time information regarding these orders’ existence and terms.
- Enforcement of Court Orders: The system ensures that whenever a law enforcement officer interacts with individuals involved in a domestic violence situation, they can instantly verify if there is a protective order in place and enforce its conditions accordingly. This is essential in safeguarding victims from perpetrators who may attempt to violate the terms of the order.
- Response Time: For those who have experienced domestic violence, rapid response times can be lifesaving. CLETS facilitates this through instant data retrieval, cutting down the time it would otherwise take to obtain critical information about the individuals involved.
- Historical Data Access: CLETS allows officers to access historical data, which can be crucial in establishing patterns of behavior in domestic violence cases. Understanding a perpetrator’s past actions can help law enforcement anticipate potential threats and better protect victims.
- AMBER Alerts: In cases where children are abducted in the context of domestic violence situations, CLETS can be used to issue AMBER Alerts swiftly, which are paramount in mobilizing public assistance to recover the child safely.
To learn more about CLETS and how it helps combat domestic violence, read our previous blog “Are Restraining Orders From Other States Valid in California?”
Disclaimer: This blog post provides general information about domestic abuse. It does not provide legal advice. Victims should consult with a legal professional for advice related to their specific situation.
Are You Experiencing Domestic Violence or Abuse? DVAP Is Here To Help
Domestic Violence and Abuse Protection, Inc. is a non-profit organization committed to protecting the victims of domestic abuse.
When restraining orders are not enough, we are there to provide the determined protection you deserve. We are located at 3900 Orange St. Riverside, CA. Call us at (951)-275 8301 (24 hours). Alternatively, you can email us at admin@dvapriverside.org