When may criminal history records be stored for extended periods?

The correct answer indicates that criminal history records may be stored for extended periods when submitted using the RQ transaction. The RQ transaction stands for "Request for Query" and is specifically designed for authorities to request criminal history information that can be stored for longer durations under certain conditions.

In this context, utilizing the RQ transaction allows law enforcement agencies and other authorized entities to maintain records in compliance with set policies and regulations governing the handling of such sensitive information. This transaction is critical as it ensures that data retention aligns with lawful operational standards and is accessible for legitimate purposes, such as ongoing investigations or background checks.

The importance of the RQ transaction lies in its ability to formalize the request and ensure proper documentation, which is essential in the management of criminal history records, thus allowing for lawful access and retention based on verified requests.