Streamline POC State Background Checks

Streamlining POC state background checks with a centralized solution

In many states across the US, when a resident seeks to purchase a firearm from a Federal Firearm Licensed (FFL) dealer, that dealer relies on the FBI to perform the necessary background checks. Some states, however, opt to perform their own background checks, in addition to the FBI, serving as the point of contact (POC) between the FFL and the FBI National Criminal Background Check System (NICS). While Full POC states serve as the contact for all firearm background checks, Partial POC states share the responsibility with the FBI (e.g., FFLs contact the state for handgun background checks, but they contact the FBI for long gun background checks).

While Full and Partial POC states may have several differing protocols, they share a common challenge: they are both at the center of a process that involves communication and cooperation with multiple agencies. When POC states seek to perform firearm or ammunition background checks, they need infrastructure in place that supports and streamlines these processes to the benefit of all users, including firearm dealers, other state agencies, the FBI, and purchasers of firearms and ammunition.

The Benefits of a Centralized Solution

To facilitate seamless processes for POC states, Tyler has launched a centralized state background check solution in multiple states. The platform not only increases efficiency, but also improves compliance, enhances accuracy, and strengthens data security for all stakeholders involved in the background check process. Besides being CJIS compliant, it offers compliance with audit trail and record retention requirements of the State.

Increased Efficiency

In states where background checks are required for the purchase of ammunition and firearms, and where application or processing fees are charged for these transactions, having a centralized solution that can manage multi-agency collaboration, data security and compliance, secure payment processing, and a seamless user experience is critical.

Tyler's solution offers a simple registration process for dealers, and once on the administrative site, both dealers and state personnel can manage and track applications in real time.

As a one-stop shop for POC background checks, secure payments, simple approval and denial procedures, automation, and more, the POC background check solution decreases application processing times and reduces backlog for state agencies and FFLs. This not only provides a better user experience for state personnel, but also enables state agencies to provide an efficient, quality experience to end users.

Flexibility and Scalability

Built with state governments in mind, the POC solution is both robust and flexible, offering multiple modules to foster cross-agency and dealership collaboration. Among the available integrations are the following:

• DMV integration, which enables purchaser verification and validation
• State Financial System Integration, which enables secure payment processing
• FBI integration, which provides for querying the Federal NICS database
• Agency integration, which enables querying various state databases

The platform is also scalable to allow for the recertification of licenses and permits, making it easier for citizens to renew their permits and registrations digitally.

Tyler and Public Safety

As a market leader in software and services for the public sector, Tyler delivers products to more than 13,000 locations and offers unparalleled experience with cross-agency integration in public safety specifically. By serving as an all-in-one solution for federal personnel, state administrators, and FFL users, Tyler's POC solution leverages the power of a centralized digital ecosystem to enhance public safety, facilitate interagency cooperation, and improve operations across the board.