(a) Each law enforcement unit shall prepare duplicate records on any candidate or peace officer employed under this chapter as may be prescribed by the rules and regulations of the council. One copy of the records shall be maintained in the headquarters of the law enforcement unit; the second copy shall be forwarded to the council and shall be maintained by the council.

(b) The contents of the records provided for in subsection (a) of this Code section, except for court proceedings, shall be considered as confidential and shall be released only to the candidate or peace officer to whom they pertain or to a law enforcement unit considering the candidate or peace officer for employment.