What is CJIS compliance? Get to know the security policy and requirements that law enforcement agencies must adhere to
Public safety agencies rely on technology to operate efficiently and keep communities safe. But with access to Criminal Justice information (CJI) comes responsibility; the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security Policy sets strict guidelines to ensure data remains secure. Agencies and technology providers must meet CJIS compliance requirements to protect sensitive law enforcement data from breaches, misuse, and non-compliance penalties.
Let’s explore what CJIS compliance means, why it matters, and how agencies can check all the right boxes when implementing police technology.
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What is CJIS compliance and why does it matter?
The CJIS Division of the FBI provides law enforcement agencies with essential databases for criminal investigations, background checks, and intelligence sharing. This includes:
- National Crime Information Center (NCIC): Tracks stolen property, missing persons, and arrest warrants.
- Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS): Stores fingerprint and criminal history records.
- National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS): Screens firearm buyers.
- Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR): Compiles nationwide crime data.
- National Data Exchange (N-Dex): Helps agencies collaborate by sharing investigative data.
Because these systems contain highly sensitive information, agencies handling CJI must follow CJIS security policy guidelines to prevent unauthorized access, protect privacy, and maintain data integrity.
What technologies need to be CJIS compliant?
As law enforcement adopts digital tools, CJIS compliance applies to a wide range of police tech including:
- Mobile data terminals (MDTs): Laptops and tablets used in police vehicles to access CJIS databases.
- Body-worn cameras (BWCs): Video storage and transmission must meet security standards.
- License plate recognition (LPR) systems: Must ensure data security and access restrictions.
- Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems: Used by 911 centers for real-time emergency coordination.
- Cloud-based storage and software: Any cloud solution storing or processing CJI must follow strict security controls.
The key elements of CJIS compliance
To protect CJI, agencies and vendors must implement specific security measures, including:
- Data encryption: CJI must be encrypted both at rest and in transit, using FIPS 140-3 compliant encryption.
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA): Access to CJI must require two or more authentication methods.
- Access controls: Only authorized personnel should have access to CJI, with role-based restrictions.
- Network security monitoring: Agencies must use Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS) to monitor network traffic.
- Audit logging: Systems must track and log access to CJI, with clear protocols for responding to security incidents.
- Cloud security and data custody: Agencies must ensure any cloud provider complies with CJIS security policy and maintains direct control over CJI.
How to achieve and maintain CJIS compliance
It takes ongoing effort to stay compliant with CJIS compliance requirements. Here’s how agencies and vendors can ensure they meet the requirements:
- Assess current security measures: Conduct a CJIS security audit to identify risks and gaps.
- Implement required security controls: Ensure encryption, MFA, access controls, and network monitoring are in place.
- Train staff on CJIS security policy: Educate employees on handling CJI securely.
- Regularly review and update policies: Stay informed on CJIS security policy revisions and update security measures accordingly.
- Use CJIS-compliant technology providers: Choose solutions that align with CJIS compliance and FBI audit requirements.
- Prepare for compliance audits: Maintain logs and documentation to demonstrate adherence to CJIS compliance requirements.
Real-world deployment scenarios
CJIS compliance isn’t just about policies — it’s about implementing the right tools. Here’s how agencies can protect CJI in transit and storage:
- Mobile deployments: Police vehicles equipped with FIPS 140-3 compliant routers ensure secure data access from mobile data terminals (MDTs).
- Secure cloud storage: Agencies using cloud solutions must encrypt CJI and maintain control over its storage and processing.
- Zero trust network access (ZTNA): Ensures that only authorized users and devices can connect to CJIS systems, reducing risk.
- Network resiliency: Link aggregation and SD-WAN capabilities prevent service disruptions and ensure uninterrupted access to CJI.
- Two-factor authentication (2FA): Mandatory for remote and mobile access to CJIS data, enhancing security.
- Cloud custody controls: Agencies must verify that cloud providers don’t store, process, or transmit CJI outside their control.
How Ericsson helps agencies stay CJIS compliant
Achieving CJIS compliance doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Ericsson offers FIPS 140-3 certified networking solutions, including Ericsson Cradlepoint routers and NetCloud SASE, to help agencies protect CJI. With encrypted network connections, zero trust security, and continuous monitoring, Ericsson solutions simplify compliance for law enforcement and public safety teams.
