About the Clean Slate Community of Practice
Clean Slate legislation works to update and expand eligibility for arrest and conviction record clearance if an individual remains crime-free for a period of time. Since SEARCH Members represent State Criminal History Record Repositories, this work is designed to allow its Members (and other state workers tasked with planning and implementing records relief policies, such as the Courts) to explore the technical and operational challenges that states confront, as well as to share best practices.
Benefits
Record clearance initiatives present challenges, but also offer opportunities for efficient record management and potential funding. By joining the CSCoP, your state can interact with peer organizations to exchange ideas, learn from one another, and collaborate on finding solutions to common obstacles. Each state brings its own unique perspectives and experiences, which will benefit others as they make progress in their record clearance initiatives.
Membership
States that have passed, or may soon pass, Clean Slate policies have been asked to establish teams of 3-5 individuals who play key roles in automating record relief efforts. These representatives include individuals from criminal history repositories, court administrators or clerks, prosecutors, and law enforcement. The primary focus of these teams will be on practical aspects such as planning, implementation, and measuring results.
Participation
SEARCH hosted a 2-day in-person workshop for state teams representing states that have passed, or may soon pass, Clean Slate policies. The event took place October 22-23, 2024 in Oklahoma City, OK. Its purpose was to facilitate relationship building, address common concerns, and establish the role of CSCoP to assist and support states.
Support
SEARCH will continue to support CSCoP’s priority topics through quarterly remote discussions. Additionally, this website’s forum can facilitate dynamic communication channels and provide access to various resources.