The Polk County Sheriff's Office has created a new tool in the fight against crime, and deputies said it can also be used to help crack down on illegal immigration.
The program will help investigators conduct thorough background checks on criminals and will share information between local law enforcement and such federal agencies as the Department of Homeland Security.
The information can include the status of illegal immigrants who have serious crimes on their records, and that could get the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency involved.
"This is such a controversial issue, and law enforcement is caught in the middle," said Polk County Sheriff Bill McCarthy. "We can't win for losing."
John Quinn of the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation said there are just two databases and two federal agencies communicating information.
The background checks won't come during traffic stops. McCarthy said the process will only begin when someone is checked into the Polk County Jail.
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