Can criminal justice agencies operate systems that process FBI CJIS data/CHRI without the approval of the CJIS Systems Agency?

Criminal justice agencies are required to operate systems that process FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) data or Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) only with the explicit approval of their CJIS Systems Agency. This requirement is in place to ensure that the handling of sensitive and confidential information adheres to established security standards and protocols set forth by the FBI and the CJIS Security Policy.

The rationale behind this strict requirement is to maintain the integrity and confidentiality of criminal justice information. By obtaining approval from the CJIS Systems Agency, agencies ensure that their systems are properly vetted for compliance with the required security measures. This helps to prevent unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential misuse of sensitive information.

Allowing agencies to operate such systems without the necessary approval could lead to significant risks regarding data security and individual privacy rights. Therefore, the correct answer reinforces the critical importance of adhering to established protocols when dealing with sensitive criminal justice information.