DEA Major Information Systems

TITLE: Chemical Handlers Enforcement Management System

ACRONYM: CHEMS

ORIGINATOR:

Department/Agency Name: U.S. Department of Justice/Drug Enforcement Administration
Major Organization Subdivision: Operations Division
Minor Organization Subdivision: Office of Diversion Control/Chemical Control Section
Name of Unit: Data Processing & Analysis Unit
Street Address: 600 Army-Navy Drive
City: Arlington
State: Virginia
Zip Code: 22202
Country: United States
Hours of Service: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Telephone: 202-307-7195
FAX: 202-307-4702
E-Mail Address:

ABSTRACT: CHEMS is a database that provides information on firms handling List I or List II chemicals. Information on the location and the chemical activities of the firm was obtained from a number of sources. The chemical suppliers and customers are identified for many firms. Firms whose chemical products were found at clandestine laboratories seized by DEA are listed. General reference information on chemicals is also provided.

PURPOSE: It serves as an early warning system to Special Agents and Diversion Investigators who are able to retrieve information on new firms that are appearing in their jurisdiction. These firms may require chemical registration or formal investigation. In addition, the listed customers and supplies for a given firm may provide another source to obtain subpoena information on a firm under investigation. It provides administrative data for management in the Office of Diversion.

ACCESS CONSTRAINTS: Records maintained in this database are protected from unauthorized access through appropriate administrative, physical and technical safeguard systems which include restricting access to only those individuals with a need-to-know to perform their official duties and responsibilities.

USE CONSTRAINTS: Authorized law enforcement personnel are permitted to use the system to perform their official responsibilities as part of the CHEMS program.

AGENCY PROGRAM: CHEMS is one of the tools used by the DEA's Diversion and Chemical Control programs.

SOURCE OF DATA: Data is obtained from DEA (investigative reports, general reports, correspondence, and cables), firms (correspondence, reports on quantities of chemicals handled, and lists of customers and suppliers), and some open literature publications as it applies to specific chemical firms.

RESPONSIBLE OFFICE FOR DISTRIBUTING INFORMATION (if different from originator):

Department/Agency Name: U.S. Department of Justice/Drug Enforcement Administration
Major Organization Subdivision: Operational Support Division
Minor Organization Subdivision: Freedom of Information and Records Management Section
Name of Unit: Freedom of Information Operations Unit
Street Address: 700 Army-Navy Drive
City : Arlington
State: Virginia
Zip Code: 22202
Country: United States
Hours of Service: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Telephone: 202 307-7596
FAX: 202 307-8556
E-Mail Address:

ORDER PROCESS: A request for access to records maintained by DEA will be made in writing. The request will include the requester's full name, complete address, date of birth, place of birth, notarized signature, and other identifying data the requester wishes to furnish to assist in making a proper search of DEA's records. The requester will also provide a return address for transmitting the information. Requests for access to information will be addressed to the Chief, Freedom of Information Operations Unit, 700 Army-Navy Drive, Sixth Floor, Arlington, Virginia 22202.

OFFICE OF CONTACT FOR FURTHER INFORMATION (if different from originator):

Department/Agency Name: See Above
Major Organization Subdivision:
Minor Organization Subdivision
Name of Unit:
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip Code:
Country:
Hours of Service:
Telephone:
FAX:
E-Mail Address:

DATE OF LAST MODIFICATION: 12/98