JOIN THE LAW ENFORCEMENT RECORDS MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION INC.

It is a daunting task to make sure a department's records process is kept in line with current industry standards and in compliance with the law. The management of releasing information is a very difficult task. It requires that the person responsible for the task to be current with the Freedom of Information Act, Health Insurance Portablity and accountability Act 0f 1996, and the Michigan Victims Rights Act as well as other legal changes pertaining to the records function. In 1993 a group of law enforcement records managers formed the Law Enforcement Records Managers Association (LERMA) for the purpose of having a forum for records managers to come together to share their collective expertise. LERMA has quarterly meetings to assist their memebers in promoting improvements in record keeping through efficiencies and cooperation. The cost of membership in LERMA is currently $35.00 per year. This is a nominal fee considering the benefit a department's records manager can get by sharing in this important network. Contact Kathy Bragg, LERMA Treasurer, Three Rivers Police Department, 269-278-1235 for more information.