Can the Secretary of State and law enforcement handle marriage/divorce records?

Marriage and divorce records are generally considered vital records, and their management is typically the responsibility of specific government entities. In the context of the Chicago Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies, the Secretary of State does not have the authority to handle these records. Instead, marriage licenses are usually maintained by the county clerk's office, while divorce records are managed by the family court or circuit clerk's office.

Law enforcement may access these records under certain circumstances, for example, if investigating a crime where such records are relevant. However, they do not have the primary role of managing or keeping these records on behalf of the public. Therefore, the correct answer indicates that the Secretary of State and law enforcement do not manage marriage or divorce records, making the assertion that they can do so false. Understanding this delineation of responsibilities is essential for those studying the structure and function of local government and law enforcement agencies.