Minnesota law specifies what criminal justice data shall be collected, the structure for its management, and the parameters for its processing and dissemination. The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is authorized to install systems for the identification of criminals, including the fingerprint system, the modus operandi system, and such others as the superintendent deems proper. Law pertinent to government data practices is distinguished according to data maintained by State agencies and political subdivisions, data maintained only by political subdivisions, data maintained only by State agencies, and data maintained by criminal justice agencies. Parameters are set for the collection, security, and dissemination of records. This compendium also includes interim rules on access to public records maintained by the judicial branch of the State. The stated policy is that all public records within the judicial branch shall be open to inspection by any member of the public at all times during regular office hours. The law specifies procedures for gaining access to these records, as well as appeal procedures should access be denied. The law specifies which criminal records cannot be used, distributed, or disseminated by the State, its agents, or political subdivisions in connection with any application for public employment or in connection with an application for a license; however, exceptions are indicated for some occupations. Also included in this compendium are rules that govern the enforcement and administration of the Government Data Practices Act.