CJIS Compliance Guide

Achieving CJIS (Criminal Justice Information Services) compliance is critical for any organization handling sensitive criminal justice data. The CJIS Security Policy is updated regularly, and as of 2025, the latest version (6.0) introduces stricter requirements. Whether you’re a law enforcement agency, government contractor, or private security firm, it’s essential to follow a systematic approach to meet these standards. Strattmont Group, with over 30 years of combined experience in security, compliance, and IT solutions, is here to help you navigate the complexities of CJIS compliance.

The CJIS Security Policy outlines the necessary security standards for managing Criminal Justice Information (CJI). Version 6.0 of the policy, effective in 2025, addresses new security controls and includes critical updates on encryption, access control, and auditing.

Action Steps:

• Review the full CJIS Security Policy and ensure you’re up to date on the latest security controls and standards.
• Familiarize yourself with key updates in CJIS Version 6.0 and how they impact your organization’s data management.

Different organizations handle CJI in different ways. Whether you’re a government contractor, law enforcement agency, or private firm providing security services, it’s important to determine which of your operations need to meet CJIS compliance standards.

Action Steps:

• Assess your organization’s role and identify which departments or teams handle sensitive criminal justice data.
• Understand what systems, networks, and devices need to be brought into compliance.

A CJIS risk assessment will help identify vulnerabilities in your systems and processes. This will allow you to address potential weaknesses before they become issues that could threaten compliance.

Action Steps:

• Assess your current network infrastructure, data storage systems, and user access protocols.
• Identify any gaps in encryption, access control, and security measures.
• Document risks and create a plan to address them.

The CJIS Security Policy requires strict security controls to safeguard sensitive criminal justice information. Key areas include encryption, access control, and incident response.

Action Steps:

• Data Encryption: Encrypt all CJI data both at rest and in transit.
• Access Control: Implement strict user authentication systems (e.g., multi-factor authentication) to control who can access sensitive data.
• Incident Response: Develop and implement an incident response plan to address potential data breaches.

Action Steps:

• Provide comprehensive training on CJIS security practices and data handling protocols.
• Conduct background checks on personnel with access to CJI.
• Ongoing training to ensure compliance with new CJIS updates.

Once your systems are in place, you’ll need continuous monitoring to ensure that security protocols remain effective. Auditing is crucial for tracking access to sensitive data and maintaining compliance with CJIS requirements.

Action Steps:

• Set up audit trails to monitor user access to sensitive data.
• Regularly review audit logs to ensure compliance and identify potential security breaches.
• Ensure that any suspicious activity is flagged and acted upon immediately.

Regular CJIS audits ensure that your organization remains compliant with the standards set out by the FBI. Being proactive and prepared is critical for passing audits successfully.

Action Steps:

• Conduct self-audits to ensure that your organization’s security measures align with CJIS standards.
• Schedule external audits to validate compliance and review any identified gaps.
• Prepare all necessary documentation, including audit logs and system security reports.

CJIS policies are updated periodically to respond to new security threats and emerging technologies. It’s crucial to stay informed about the latest updates to remain in compliance.

Action Steps:

• Regularly check for updates on the CJIS website and subscribe to relevant listservs.
• Review updates to CJIS guidelines and adjust your security protocols accordingly.
• Ensure your systems and policies remain compliant with evolving CJIS standards.

Achieving CJIS compliance requires a deep understanding of security protocols, risk management, and ongoing vigilance. Working with an experienced consultant like Strattmont Group will streamline the process.

Why Choose Strattmont Group?

• 30+ years of combined experience in compliance, IT security, and surveillance.
• Experts in CJIS compliance, ensuring your systems meet the latest security standards.
• End-to-end support from initial assessments to continuous monitoring and auditing.

Strattmont Group will guide your organization through every step of the compliance process, helping you mitigate risks and stay ahead of policy changes.

CJIS compliance is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. Regular monitoring, system updates, and staff training are key to maintaining long-term compliance.

Action Steps:

• Implement continuous monitoring of your systems for security threats.
• Regularly update your systems to stay aligned with the latest CJIS policies.
• Ensure employee training remains up to date with the latest security protocols.

Strattmont Group offers CJIS compliance services across Texas, including: Austin, Brazos County, Bryan, College Station, Dallas / Fort Worth, Houston, McAllen, Waco and beyond.

Achieving and maintaining CJIS compliance is a complex process that requires attention to detail and ongoing effort. Strattmont Group, with over 30 years of combined experience, is your trusted partner in ensuring your organization meets all the CJIS security requirements.

Contact Strattmont Group today for a consultation on achieving CJIS compliance. With our expertise, you can confidently protect sensitive criminal justice information and ensure the security and integrity of your data systems. Call 979-314-9644 today or inquire now to get started on your path to CJIS compliance.