What is the primary purpose of an IQ (Nlets Criminal History Index) inquiry?

The primary purpose of an IQ inquiry, which stands for Interstate Query, is to request identity information from state central repositories. This type of inquiry allows law enforcement and authorized personnel to obtain criminal history information for an individual across state lines by accessing various state databases that house such records. It is crucial for making informed decisions regarding an individual's background, especially in contexts such as law enforcement, employment screenings, or legal matters.

Using an IQ inquiry provides a standardized method to retrieve an individual's criminal history from the appropriate repositories, ensuring that the information obtained is accurate and up-to-date. This process facilitates interoperability among states, allowing for efficient sharing of critical data that assists in investigations or other legal functions.