Before disposal, how should electronic media storing FBI CJIS data/CHRI be handled?

Handling electronic media that stores FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) data or criminal history record information (CHRI) requires strict adherence to security protocols. The correct approach is to properly sanitize the media before disposal. Sanitization involves methods that ensure any sensitive data is irretrievable, thereby protecting it from unauthorized access.

Sanitization techniques can include degaussing, physical destruction, or using software that meets the standards set by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). This is vital for preventing potential data breaches, as improperly disposed of electronic media can lead to the exposure of sensitive information, which can have significant legal and ethical ramifications.

Other options, such as throwing the media away, storing it indefinitely, or sharing it with non-criminal justice entities, do not comply with the necessary security protocols for handling sensitive information. Each of these alternatives presents potential risks that could result in unauthorized access to confidential data, thereby undermining the trust and accountability that law enforcement agencies must maintain. Proper sanitization is essential to ensure compliance with legal standards and to uphold the integrity of the criminal justice system.