Overview
The Connecticut Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) supports the sharing of criminal justice information across state and local agencies to improve public safety and decision-making.
History
The need to share offender and case information across agencies was identified several decades ago. At that time, agencies continued developing their own systems because technology could not yet support a cost-effective, statewide solution.
As a result, many independent and agency-specific systems were created. Some of these systems are still in use today.
Creation of the CJIS Governing Board
The CJIS Governing Board was established by Public Act 99-14 in 1999 to oversee the administration and coordination of criminal justice information systems.
Earlier efforts began in 1992, when the Office of Policy and Management, in partnership with the Judicial Branch, formed a policy structure that later became the model for the Governing Board and its Implementation Group.
Public Act 00-20 expanded the board’s responsibilities and added the Office of the Victim Advocate as a member.
Expansion of Information Sharing
In 2007, following a statewide review of the criminal justice system, Connecticut passed Public Act 08-01, effective March 1, 2008.
This legislation expanded the role of the CJIS Governing Board and strengthened the state’s approach to sharing criminal justice information.
The Governing Board was directed to do the following:
“shall design and implement a comprehensive, state-wide system to facilitate the immediate, seamless and comprehensive sharing of information between all state agencies, departments, boards and commissions having any cognizance over matters relating to law enforcement and criminal justice, and organized local police departments and law enforcement officials.”
The act also expanded board membership and established support for an executive director and staff.
The Connecticut Information Sharing System (CISS)
As a result of these efforts, the Connecticut Information Sharing System (CISS) was developed.
CISS provides the technical capability for agencies to securely share information related to criminal cases and offenders, helping improve coordination and decision-making across the criminal justice system.
Participating Agencies
CISS supports information sharing among the following agencies:
- Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection
- Judicial Branch – Office of the Chief Court Administrator
- Judicial Branch – Court Support Services Division
- Judicial Branch – Superior Court Operations
- Division of Criminal Justice – Office of the Chief State's Attorney
- Division of Public Defender Services
- Department of Correction
- Board of Pardons and Paroles
- Department of Motor Vehicles
- Office of Victim Advocate
- Office of Policy and Management – Criminal Justice Policy and Planning Division
- Department of Administrative Services
- Connecticut Police Chiefs Association
Impact
Through the CISS initiative, Connecticut continues to improve how agencies share information, coordinate across systems, and manage data related to crime and criminal offenders.