Legal Definitions - Law Enforcement Information Network

The Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) is a sophisticated, computerized communication system used by law enforcement agencies in certain states to access and share critical information in real-time. It serves as a central hub for various types of data, enabling officers to quickly retrieve details about individuals, vehicles, and property, which is vital for daily operations, investigations, and ensuring public safety.

Here are some examples of how LEIN is used:

• Traffic Stop Verification: Imagine a state trooper pulls over a vehicle for speeding. Before approaching the car, the trooper uses the computer in their patrol vehicle to query LEIN with the driver's license number and the vehicle's license plate. Instantly, the system provides information on whether the driver's license is valid, if the vehicle's registration is current, and if there are any active warrants for the driver or the vehicle's owner.

  This example illustrates how LEIN provides immediate access to essential driver and vehicle records, allowing officers to assess potential risks and verify legal compliance during routine traffic stops.

• Criminal Investigation Support: A detective is investigating a series of burglaries in a neighborhood. Witnesses report seeing a specific make and model of car, but only recall a few digits of the license plate. The detective can enter the partial license plate information and vehicle description into LEIN. The system then searches its extensive database for matching vehicles registered in the state, potentially providing a list of registered owners to investigate further.

  This demonstrates LEIN's utility in criminal investigations, enabling law enforcement to cross-reference partial information with comprehensive databases to identify persons or vehicles of interest.

• Stolen Property Recovery: During a routine patrol, an officer discovers an abandoned construction excavator on the side of a rural road. Suspecting it might be stolen, the officer uses LEIN to check the excavator's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The system quickly confirms that the equipment was reported stolen from a construction site in a neighboring county just days prior.

  This scenario highlights LEIN's role in identifying and recovering stolen property, allowing officers to verify the status of various assets and facilitate their return to rightful owners.