The state of Kansas allows for open public criminal background checks statewide for rap sheets, also named an abstract of criminal history. Searches for public records are routinely requested for passports, identification, employment as well as personal and business purposes. Kansas' bureaus generally operate independently and provide their records from individual clerks, record offices, databases and websites. The Kansas state, county and city departments which offer access to information have facilitated access with the expansion of online services. As personal information protection concerns increase, the state's legislation strives to maintain the best balance possible between privacy and making data readily available to the public.