What does having an FBI number mean?

What Does Having an FBI Number Mean?

If you’ve been notified that you have been assigned an FBI number, you may be wondering what exactly that means. The FBI issues unique identification numbers that are linked to individual files in the FBI’s massive criminal database.

Simply having an FBI number does not necessarily indicate that you have a criminal record or are under investigation. There are various reasons why the FBI may create a file with your information and assign you an identification number.

The FBI’s Criminal Database

The FBI maintains a huge criminal database called the Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS) that contains fingerprint records, criminal histories, and other biometric data submitted from law enforcement agencies across the country and around the world.^[1] This system is used to identify individuals through unique fingerprints and track data related to crimes and investigations.

When fingerprints or other biometric information associated with an individual are entered into this database, the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services Division assigns a number, known as an FBI number or Universal Control Number, to identify that person’s file.^[2]

Reasons You May Get an FBI Number

There are many reasons why you may end up with an FBI number assigned to your name, such as:^[3]

• Being arrested and fingerprinted, even if never charged or convicted of a crime
• Applying for certain jobs or licenses that require FBI background checks
• Serving in the military and getting fingerprinted
• Naturalizing as a U.S. citizen and providing fingerprints
• Working in certain government jobs requiring security clearances

So having an FBI number does not necessarily mean you have a criminal record. It simply indicates the FBI has biometric data associated with your identity.

Accessing Your FBI File

If you want to view the information the FBI has on file under your identification number, you can request a copy of your Identity History Summary, often referred to as a criminal history record or rap sheet.^[4] However, you will have to provide a new set of fingerprints and pay a processing fee.

This summary will list any arrests, charges, or convictions associated with your name and FBI number. It’s important to check it for any inaccuracies or incomplete data.

Correcting Inaccurate FBI Records

If you find incorrect or incomplete information in your FBI file, you can request changes by submitting an updated set of fingerprints and documentation supporting the corrections.^[5] The FBI is obligated to investigate claimed inaccuracies and make revisions to ensure records are accurate.

Implications of an FBI Number

Some key implications of having an FBI number include:^[6]

• Background checks will reveal arrests or charges linked to your number
• It allows law enforcement to identify and track you in their system
• Your fingerprints can be matched to those found at crime scenes
• You can be more easily monitored as a suspect in investigations

So while not necessarily indicative of a criminal history, an FBI number still puts you under greater scrutiny in the federal criminal database.

Conclusion

In summary, being assigned an FBI number simply means the FBI has your biometric data like fingerprints on file for identification purposes. This gets you entered into their massive criminal database, which has advantages and disadvantages for law enforcement and privacy.

Privacy Concerns with the FBI’s Database

Civil liberties groups have raised concerns about the privacy implications of the FBI’s vast criminal database:

• It contains huge amounts of personal data on millions of Americans, both guilty and innocent^[1]
• This data can be used for surveillance and monitoring without oversight^[2]
• Facial recognition technology relies on this database, which has racial bias issues^[3]
• There is potential for misuse and abuse without proper regulations^[4]

Limits on Law Enforcement Access

To protect privacy, some argue for limits on law enforcement access:

• Restrict use of data only to cases where a crime is reasonably suspected^[5]
• Require judicial oversight for access in investigations^[6]
• Prohibit use of data to target political or religious groups^[5]
• Ban use of private facial recognition databases without a warrant^[1]

Balancing Privacy and Security

There are complex tradeoffs between individual privacy and public safety/national security. Policymakers continue to grapple with crafting appropriate regulations for the FBI’s data practices that balance both interests.