Accessing contact records in a device with multiple operation perimeters

A method and apparatus for accessing contact records in an electronic device with multiple operation perimeters is provided. When accessing contact records from within one operation perimeter, only contact information accessible from that operation perimeter is retrieved. An option is provided to also access contact records of an alternative operation perimeter. If the alternative operation perimeter has a higher security level than the current operation perimeter, a password or other authorization may be required. The contact records may be accessed, for example, to find information for an outgoing communication, to identify information associated with an incoming communication, or to edit a contact record.