CJIS Funding

Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) funding is an unofficial term referring to federal, state, local, or other funding that public safety and criminal justice agencies can use for technology projects involving Criminal Justice Information (CJI), CJIS systems, or related law enforcement operations. Rather than representing a single dedicated grant program, CJIS funding can come from multiple sources and may support initiatives such as Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC) modernization, communications and interoperability improvements, mobile technology, cybersecurity enhancements, and other public safety systems. Because these environments may process or provide access to CJI, agencies must consider applicable requirements of the FBI CJIS Security Policy when planning and implementing funded projects.

Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) is one potential source of funding for eligible public safety technology projects. Through the FY26 CDS process, Congress appropriated funding for specific projects requested by members of Congress and included in federal appropriations legislation. FY26 appropriations include funding for law enforcement initiatives such as Real-Time Crime Center technology, police technology upgrades, interoperable communications infrastructure, mobile data terminals, radio systems, and other public safety technology. Unlike traditional competitive grants, CDS projects are designated through the congressional appropriations process for named recipients and purposes. Agencies receiving these funds must ensure that their technology choices satisfy applicable security, procurement, grant, and operational requirements.

For projects involving CJI, funding can help agencies modernize technology while addressing security requirements across increasingly complex environments. Depending on the project, this modernization could include identity and access management, multifactor authentication (MFA), mobile and remote access security, secure access to critical systems, and audit and accountability capabilities. These controls are particularly important as agencies expand information sharing, field-based access, cloud services, and interconnected public safety systems. Compliance with applicable CJIS Security Policy requirements is not achieved through a single product or technology project, but through an ongoing combination of appropriate technology, policies, procedures, personnel practices, risk management, and oversight.

Securing CJIS funding is therefore only one part of a successful modernization initiative. Agencies must translate available funding into technology that supports operational needs while strengthening cybersecurity and maintaining appropriate controls for CJI. Imprivata State and Local Government solutions can help public safety organizations strengthen identity and access management, implement secure and efficient authentication, control access to critical applications and data, and support workflows aligned with applicable CJIS Security Policy requirements. For agencies receiving CDS or evaluating other funding opportunities, Imprivata can help identify where access security and cybersecurity enhancements fit within broader modernization plans and support technology investments designed for secure, efficient public safety operations.