Introduction

As law enforcement agencies adopt body-worn cameras (BWCs) and digital evidence platforms, the need to protect sensitive information has never been greater. The FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security Policy sets the standard for safeguarding criminal justice data, including video footage captured by BWCs.

Understanding CJIS compliance is essential for agencies that want to ensure secure evidence storage, lawful data access, and full adherence to federal regulations.

What CJIS Compliance Means for Law Enforcement

CJIS compliance provides a framework for protecting criminal justice information (CJI). This includes digital evidence such as:

• Body-camera footage

• Interrogation recordings

• Dashcam video

• Uploaded civilian evidence

• Case file attachments

CJIS defines how agencies must secure, access, and transmit this data. A CJIS-compliant system helps prevent breaches, unauthorized access, and evidence tampering.

Keywords: CJIS compliance, criminal justice information, secure digital evidence, body-camera data security, law enforcement standards

Key CJIS Security Requirements Agencies Must Follow

To comply with CJIS, agencies must implement a variety of technical and operational controls. The most important requirements include:

Advanced Encryption

All digital evidence must be encrypted both in transit and at rest to prevent unauthorized access.

Access Control and Authentication

Officers and staff must use strong authentication methods, such as:

• Multi-factor authentication (MFA)

• Unique user credentials

• Least-privilege access settings

Audit Logging and Monitoring

Systems must keep detailed logs of user access, downloads, edits, and account activity.

Secure Data Transmission

Uploads to the Digital Evidence Management System (DEMS) must occur through secure, encrypted channels.

Personnel Training and Background Checks

CJIS requires specific training for personnel handling criminal justice data and mandates background checks for authorized users.

These requirements create a secure framework for managing BWV and other digital evidence.

Keywords: CJIS security requirements, MFA authentication, encrypted BWV, audit logs, secure evidence transmission

Why CJIS Compliance Matters for Digital Evidence Management Systems (DEMS)

A DEMS platform must be fully CJIS compliant to ensure:

• Evidence integrity is protected

• Video cannot be tampered with

• Only authorized staff can view or share files

• Audit trails support court proceedings

• Agencies avoid legal and operational risks

Using a non-CJIS-compliant platform exposes agencies to significant liabilities, including data breaches and inadmissible evidence.

Keywords: CJIS-compliant DEMS, secure evidence storage, law enforcement cybersecurity, video integrity, evidence protection

CJIS Compliance and Cloud Storage Providers

Cloud storage is widely used for BWC programs. However, agencies must ensure their provider meets CJIS requirements:

• Physical security at data centers

• Encrypted storage infrastructure

• Compliance documentation and signed agreements

• Continuous monitoring and incident response capabilities

Working with a CJIS-certified cloud provider ensures digital evidence remains protected throughout its entire lifecycle.

Keywords: CJIS cloud storage, compliant data centers, encrypted cloud evidence, secure digital storage, BWV cloud compliance

Building a Fully CJIS-Compliant Workflow

Agencies can maintain compliance by implementing a structured workflow:

• Use CJIS-certified BWC and DEMS vendors

• Train officers on secure evidence handling

• Implement strict user-access permissions

• Use MFA for all logins

• Review audit logs regularly

• Create clear digital evidence policies

• Update systems according to new CJIS requirements

This ensures long-term compliance and strengthens agency security.

Keywords: CJIS workflow, secure evidence policies, MFA access, digital evidence management, law enforcement compliance

Conclusion

CJIS compliance is a foundational requirement for managing digital evidence securely. By choosing CJIS-compliant systems, enforcing strict access controls, and using secure cloud or on-premise platforms, agencies protect both their data and the community’s trust.

A fully compliant evidence ecosystem ensures privacy, integrity, and accountability, making CJIS an essential component of every BWC program.

Keywords: CJIS compliance guide, digital evidence security, law enforcement data standards, secure DEMS workflows, body-camera compliance