Welcome to the 18^th edition of the Nlets Representative Spotlight, where we highlight the incredible work that Nlets Representatives are doing.

Today, meet Ivy McMillan, Region C Vice Chair and member of the Constitution and Bylaws Committee.  Ivy is the Special Agent in Charge of the Criminal Information and Identification Section at the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and has been the Nlets Representative for North Carolina since Spring of 2020.

As part of her day-to-day work, Ivy is involved in overseeing the organizational management and determining business decisions for CIIS while ensuring proper analysis and coordination of essential data sharing resources to North Carolina law enforcement officers and criminal justice agencies.  CIIS is comprised of the Civilian Services Unit (applicant processing, access integrity and concealed handgun processing), Identification Unit (AFIS fingerprint identification and NICS), Expungement Unit, Compliance Unit, Sex Offender Coordination Unit, Division of Criminal Information Training Unit, and the Crime Reporting/Traffic Stop Data Unit.

How would you describe your role as an Nlets Representative to someone who didn’t know what it was? What are some highlights? What is more difficult?

I’d first describe Nlets as a non-profit organization developed by the states to enhance nationwide sharing of criminal justice data.  As the Nlets Representative I act as a liaison for the North Carolina law enforcement community to ensure our voice is heard on the national level.  I think the highlight for me thus far is the networking and all I gather from the other more seasoned state representatives.  It’s also been very helpful with the blitz of new representatives to have comfort in knowing I’m not alone in learning Nlets and the numerous benefits, processes, and procedures.  I would say the most difficult aspect thus far is finding the amount of time I need to dedicate to become more immersed in Nlets while still handling my day-to-day responsibilities as the Special Agent in Charge of CIIS, as well as serving as NC’s State Compact and CJIS Systems Officer.

Tell us about a particularly impactful experience you’ve had working with Nlets?

So far, I’d have to say networking and the notifications when the BAF funds are awarded to the family of NC fallen officers.  For such an overwhelmingly sad situation, the thought of the family receiving the unexpected donation from Nlets is a moment of light.  

Can you share one case study/example where Nlets was used in your agency/state?

A routine background investigation was being conducted on a sworn position in NC.  Local, state, and national checks were conducted with negative results.  During the background investigation, the applicant provided previous addresses in other states.  An Nlets transaction (AQ – Nlets Administrative Criminal History) was conducted.  The AQ was sent to respective CJ agencies having jurisdiction with the previous address information.  One of the out of state agencies replied that CAD notes existed and would be forwarded for review.  There were several instances regarding domestic situations with local law enforcement responding.  Based on the information, no arrests were made but the CAD notes provided critical information regarding the applicant which led to more information being investigated. Other CAD notes provided known associations with criminal offenders which was crucial in the background information.  Nlets provided a means to discover information not readily found in Computerized Criminal Histories and court record databases. 

What is one word you would use to describe Nlets and why?

Possibilities – Nlets provides critical communication both nationally and internationally to law enforcement agencies when it seems other databases are somewhat limited.  The door of possibilities continues to be an open source for the criminal justice community to enhance officer safety, provide quick and efficient communications, and is a treasure trove of information for the investigator.