In today's modern world, individuals who have had a brush with the criminal judicial system may aspire for a fresh start, devoid of the lingering echoes of their history with the law. Considered a legal saving grace, expungement and record sealing function as mechanisms to impart this much-needed rebirth. Expungement is a legal process through which an arrest or conviction may be essentially 'erased' in the eyes of the law. However, a key question remains: Can law enforcement see expunged records?

The partial or complete ＆destruction＊ of records in an expungement instance does not make them utterly disappear. Despite their expunged status, they are not void of accessibility for all. Law enforcement agencies, including police departments and state prosecution agencies, may still access these records. Yes, you read that right.

Let's probe into this further. In most cases, after expungement, the records are not completely 'deleted.' Instead, they are 'sealed' from the public eye. For governmental bodies and legal institutions〞like law enforcement agencies〞these records are still visible, still accessible. This is primarily because these records may become relevant in the proceedings of future cases or in circumstances that require thorough background checks.

The underpinning reason for this is public safety. Law enforcement agencies must have a comprehensive understanding of the person they are dealing with〞past, present, or future. In a situation that may put individual or public safety at risk, such as when employing someone for a government job or in situations that involve firearms, these expunged records can become a vital tool for reference.

Now, let's consider the state-wise laws. The states have their own set protocols regarding the accessibility of these expunged records. Some restrict the access to expunged records more severely than others. For instance, in California and New York, the expunged cases are entirely sealed off. Whereas in Texas, these data can be accessed for general law enforcement and licensing purposes.

It is worth noting that the accessibility of these records by law enforcement should not deter you from seeking expungement if you are eligible. The primary aim of expungement is to reduce the negative consequences of a past conviction: it rationalizes them to be an exception only for specific, beneficial purposes.

However, the debate continues on the balance between public safety and personal redemption. Striking a perfect balance between the need for public safety and the allowances for individual rehabilitation poses an ethical and legal challenge. This balance varies with each state, as do expungement laws.

This issue is further complicated when we take into account the age of those whose records are expunged. Juvenile records, for example, are treated differently as the provision for expunging these records is more for rehabilitation than for public safety.

On the wider scale, all aspects considered, it remains true that expunged records, though hidden from the public eye, are still visible to the eyes of the law. Albeit challenging, these provisions, which might seem contradictory, provide us with a system that takes into account both the protection of the public and the salvation of individuals.

Drink on that for a bit. The question of law enforcement's access to expunged record is not an open-and-shut case〞it's a nuanced discussion involving issues of public safety, personal rehabilitation, and state laws. As the society evolves and individuals continue their search for redemption, the regulations around expunged records and their accessibility may witness further changes. Hence, the conversation is far from over.