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FBI CJIS (Criminal Justice Information Services) | What is a Criminal Justice Agency (CJA)?

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In the context of the FBI CJIS Security Policy, a Criminal Justice Agency (CJA) refers to an organization or entity that is involved in the administration of criminal justice and has access to Criminal Justice Information (CJI) provided by or through the FBI's Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division. CJAs are typically law enforcement or criminal justice-related entities that utilize CJI for official purposes.

Criminal Justice Agencies can include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs):
    This includes federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies responsible for maintaining public order, enforcing laws, preventing and investigating crimes, and ensuring the safety of communities.
  • Courts and Judicial Agencies:
    Organizations involved in the administration of justice, such as courts, prosecutors' offices, public defenders' offices, probation offices, and other judicial entities that handle criminal cases.
  • Corrections and Correctional Facilities:
    Entities responsible for the custody, care, and rehabilitation of individuals involved in the criminal justice system, such as correctional facilities, prisons, jails, and probation/parole offices.
  • Civil Agencies with Criminal Justice Functions:
    Certain civil agencies may have criminal justice functions or responsibilities, such as child protective services, forensic laboratories, regulatory agencies, and licensing boards related to criminal justice professions.

It's important to note that CJAs are subject to the CJIS Security Policy and must comply with its requirements to ensure the secure handling and protection of CJI. Third-party service providers that handle CJI on behalf of CJAs are also included in the definition of CJAs and must adhere to the CJIS Security Policy through a formal CJIS Security Addendum process

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