AF Form 1597: Air Force Law Enforcement Terminal System

AF Form 1597: Air Force Law Enforcement Terminal System – U.S. Air Force Security Forces personnel and law enforcement specialists rely on precise documentation for managing entries into criminal justice information systems. AF Form 1597, officially titled Air Force Law Enforcement Terminal System Documentation, serves as the standard form for recording inputs, cancellations, and validations related to the Air Force Law Enforcement Terminal System (AFLETS).

This article provides an overview of the form’s purpose, how to complete it, its key sections, and official resources for U.S.-based Air Force members.

What Is AF Form 1597?

AF Form 1597 (also referenced as AF IMT 1597) is an Air Force Information Management Tool form used to document activities in the Air Force Law Enforcement Terminal System. It tracks:

  • Entries of stolen items or other data into the terminal
  • Requests and approvals for those entries
  • Cancellations of entries
  • Periodic system validation checks to ensure accuracy and compliance

The form helps maintain an auditable record of interactions with law enforcement databases, supporting accountability in base security operations. It replaced earlier editions and the obsolete AF Form 1598 (Jan 76). The current version is dated 19871001 (October 1, 1987).

AFLETS connects Air Force law enforcement to broader systems such as state identifiers and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), enabling secure sharing of criminal justice information similar to the National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NLETS) framework used across U.S. agencies.

Who Uses AF Form 1597?

  • Security Forces personnel at Air Force installations
  • Law enforcement desk operators and terminal users
  • Supervisors responsible for system validation and oversight
  • Units handling reports of stolen property or other entries requiring NCIC/state system documentation

Proper use of the form supports compliance with Air Force security policies and helps ensure data integrity in law enforcement records.

Structure of AF Form 1597

The two-sided form divides into two main parts:

Part I: Input Data

This section captures details about each entry into the terminal. Key blocks include:

  • Base — The Air Force base or location
  • State Identifier / National Crime Information Center Identifier — Relevant state or NCIC codes
  • Multiple Entry fields (Entry 1, 2, 3, etc.) with:
    • Base Entry Number
    • State Entry Number
    • Description of Item Entered into Terminal (e.g., stolen vehicle, property, or other record)
    • Date Entry Requested
    • Date of Theft (if applicable)
    • Date Theft Entered into Terminal
    • Person Requesting Entry (Name, Grade, and Base)
    • Person Receiving Request for Entry (Name)
    • Cancellation fields:
      • Date Cancellation Requested
      • Person Requesting Cancellation
      • Date Entry Cancelled
      • Person Cancelling Entry

Part II: System Validation (Reverse Side)

This section records periodic validation checks to confirm that active entries remain accurate. Fields include:

  • Date of validation
  • Names of Individuals Conducting the validation
  • Items Still in Part I (for cross-reference)
  • Terminal Owner
  • Month/Year, User Agency, and Remarks

Instructions on the form direct users to enter dates and names for validation checks and use this data to verify items listed in Part I.

How to Complete AF Form 1597

  1. Fill Part I for every new entry or cancellation request. Be precise with dates, names, grades, and descriptions to maintain an accurate audit trail.
  2. Document cancellations promptly when an item is recovered or no longer needed in the system.
  3. Conduct and record validations regularly in Part II. List personnel involved and note any discrepancies in the Remarks section.
  4. Maintain the form in a dedicated folder or records system as required by local Security Forces policy or relevant Air Force instructions (such as those governing law enforcement records).

Always follow unit-specific standard operating procedures (SOPs) and any updates from Air Force e-Publishing or Security Forces guidance.

Official Download for AF Form 1597

The most current and authoritative version is available directly from the U.S. Air Force e-Publishing site:

→ Download AF Form 1597 PDF here: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a4/form/af1597/af1597.pdf

This link provides the official fillable or printable form. Always obtain forms from .mil sources to ensure you have the authorized version.

Additional references and templates may appear on sites like TemplateRoller, but the e-Publishing link remains the primary trusted source for Department of the Air Force use.

Why Accurate Documentation Matters?

Using AF Form 1597 correctly helps:

  • Ensure compliance with federal and Air Force law enforcement data standards
  • Support investigations and recovery of stolen property
  • Maintain system integrity across NCIC and state networks
  • Provide accountability during audits or inspections

Security Forces members should complete training on terminal use and documentation as part of their qualification process.

  • Air Force e-Publishing — Central hub for all official forms and publications: https://www.e-publishing.af.mil/
  • Security Forces career field guidance and instructions (check with your unit for the latest AFIs)
  • National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NLETS) information for broader context on interstate data sharing

For the latest policy updates, visit the official Air Force e-Publishing site or consult your local Security Forces squadron.

Need the form right now?
Click the official download link above to get the blank AF Form 1597 PDF and begin documenting your Law Enforcement Terminal System activities today.

This guide is for informational purposes and targets U.S. Air Force personnel and authorized users. Always refer to current Department of the Air Force instructions and your chain of command for operational guidance.