About CJIS

The Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security Policy establishes minimum security requirements for accessing FBI criminal justice information (CJI) by law enforcement and other authorized entities. These comprehensive standards cover everything from encryption and authentication to physical security and personnel screening, ensuring sensitive criminal justice data remains protected throughout its lifecycle.

CJIS compliance is mandatory for all organizations that access, store, or transmit CJI, including local police departments, courts, and private contractors working with justice agencies. The policy's rigorous requirements help maintain the confidentiality and integrity of law enforcement information while enabling secure information sharing across jurisdictional boundaries.

CJIS compliance steps

To comply with the CJIS (Criminal Justice Information Services) security standard, begin by conducting a thorough risk assessment to identify potential vulnerabilities in your systems and processes that handle criminal justice information.

Develop a comprehensive security policy that addresses all CJIS requirements, including access control, authentication, auditing, and incident response procedures.

Implement strong access control measures, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access CJIS data. This includes unique identification for all users, role-based access controls, and the principle of least privilege.

Establish proper authentication protocols, including complex passwords, password management policies, and two-factor authentication where required.

Configure audit mechanisms to track user activities, system events, and access to CJIS data. Ensure audit logs are protected and regularly reviewed for suspicious activities.

Deploy encryption for data at rest and in transit, using FIPS 140-2 validated cryptographic modules to safeguard sensitive information.

Conduct thorough background checks on all personnel with access to CJIS systems and information, in accordance with the required security clearance levels.

Provide comprehensive security awareness training for all personnel, ensuring they understand CJIS requirements and their responsibilities in maintaining compliance.

Implement secure media handling procedures for both physical and electronic media containing CJIS information, including proper disposal methods.

Establish physical security controls to protect facilities, equipment, and CJIS information from unauthorized access and environmental hazards.

Develop and test incident response procedures to address security breaches, ensuring prompt reporting to appropriate authorities.

Regularly perform security assessments and audits to verify compliance with CJIS requirements and identify areas for improvement.

Document all security policies, procedures, and compliance efforts to demonstrate adherence to CJIS standards during audits.

Organizations often struggle with implementing CJIS security standards due to their comprehensive and technical nature. The risk assessment phase alone requires specialized knowledge to identify vulnerabilities across diverse systems, while developing compliant security policies demands both legal and technical expertise many organizations lack. Smaller agencies particularly find the stringent access control and authentication requirements burdensome, as implementing role-based permissions and two-factor authentication may require significant system upgrades and ongoing maintenance.

The extensive audit and logging requirements present another challenge, as organizations must capture, store, and regularly review substantial amounts of data, requiring both technological infrastructure and human resources. Similarly, encryption requirements often necessitate expensive hardware and software investments, with the specific FIPS 140-2 validated cryptographic modules adding further procurement complexity. Background checks introduce administrative overhead and potential delays in staffing, while comprehensive security awareness training programs must be continually updated and delivered across the organization.

Physical security controls demand both facility modifications and procedural changes that can disrupt operations, while incident response preparation requires cross-departmental coordination and regular testing that many organizations struggle to prioritize. Perhaps most daunting is the documentation burden, as agencies must maintain detailed records of all security measures, policies, and compliance activities.

The consequences of non-compliance are severe. Organizations failing to meet CJIS standards risk losing access to vital criminal justice information systems, effectively crippling their ability to perform core functions. Financial penalties can be substantial, while legal liability increases if non-compliance contributes to data breaches or criminal justice errors. The reputational damage from security incidents can undermine public trust in law enforcement and justice systems. Most critically, inadequate security controls can compromise sensitive investigations, endanger confidential informants, and potentially put lives at risk. With criminal justice operations increasingly dependent on information systems, CJIS compliance has become not just a regulatory requirement but an operational necessity.

Enabling safe access of CJIS data with an Enterprise Browser

Law enforcement and public safety personnel require access to the Department of Justice's Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS). Due to the sensitivity of CJIS data, it is critical to ensure that only authorized personnel have the least necessary data access. Additionally, the data must remain secure while in use and be safely stored afterward. With the Island Enterprise Browser, law enforcement agencies can enable safe CJIS data access, even on unmanaged devices — directly through the browser. By creating secure application boundaries and embedding robust controls, Island ensures information stays within authorized systems, reducing the risk of spillage or misuse.