Federal database will track misconduct records of US law enforcement officers

Justice department aims to prevent agencies unwittingly hiring problem officers but does not cover local-level officials

The US justice department has created a database to track records of misconduct by federal law enforcement officers that is aimed at preventing agencies from unknowingly hiring problem officers, officials said on Monday.

The federal move is a step toward accountability amid growing calls to close loopholes that allow law enforcement officers to be rehired by other agencies after losing their jobs or resigning after misconduct allegations.