What type of information is obtained from the Interstate Identification Index (III)?

The Interstate Identification Index (III) is specifically designed to provide criminal history record information on individuals who have been arrested or charged with criminal offenses. This system allows for the exchange of criminal history records among participating states and serves as a vital tool for law enforcement agencies in conducting background checks and investigations.

Criminal history record information includes details such as arrests, convictions, and sentences pertaining to individuals, but it does not include every aspect of their criminal activities, which is why relying solely on this data can be limiting for specific inquiries. The III is a central part of the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) infrastructure, allowing for efficient access to criminal history information across state lines.

The other options do not accurately describe what the III provides. For example, while fingerprint information may be included in broader law enforcement databases, it is not the main feature of the III. Similarly, details pertaining to public defenders are unrelated to the criminal history information provided by the III, as this index focuses specifically on criminal records rather than legal defense information.