We don't just say we are CJIS compliant, we put our video redaction services to the test.
The team at Focal Forensics is proud to be the first video redaction service provider approved by the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Vendor Program within the state of Minnesota. Security is our top priority when it comes to providing video redaction services to law enforcement organizations across the United States. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of being approved by the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and what that means for law enforcement in Minnesota and across the U.S.
What is the BCA Vendor Screening Program?
The BCA Vendor Screening Program is a service that provides a path for vendors and vendor employees to comply with the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) Security Policy. This policy requires persons with access to private and confidential criminal justice information to submit to a fingerprint-based background check prior to being granted unescorted access to physically secure locations where criminal justice information is processed.
If the vendor provides information technology, the policy also requires that the technical infrastructure meet certain requirements. The BCA Vendor Screening Program was established in 2014 to ensure that vendors whose employees will be exposed to or have access to criminal justice information are screened using the standard set out in section 5.12 of the FBI CJIS Security Policy.
What is the process?
What is the benefit to Focal Forensics?
By using the BCA Vendor Screening Program, Focal Forensics is able to provide services at any Minnesota agency where criminal justice information is processed. This dramatically reduces the time, cost and effort of undergoing multiple screenings.
Can a sheriff’s office or police department confirm the clearance of Focal Forensics or their employees?
Yes. Agencies can look up BCA-screened vendors and vendor-employees and check certification expiration dates in CJIS Online on the Launch Pad.
What criminal justice information is checked?
The screening process includes federal and state criminal databases, driver’s license, wanted persons, warrants, predatory offender registration, and additional states of residence.
How long does the screening process take?
Typically the process can be completed in less than six weeks. It may be shorter depending on current volume, how long it takes vendors to complete and submit forms/contracts, and whether the vendor employee would have logical (ex. IT developer) versus physical (ex. janitorial service) exposure to criminal justice information. Depending on local agency policies, it may be possible for the agency to escort the vendor while awaiting background clearance.
Besides the background check, must the employee meet any additional requirements?
To comply with FBI requirements, employees must successfully complete Security Awareness Training and a certification test.
How long does BCA certification last?
Vendor employees must complete Security Awareness Training every two years. The vendor contract with the BCA lasts for five years.
Is the BCA Vendor Screening Program my only option to meet FBI CJIS Security Policy requirements?
Criminal justice agencies can conduct their own background investigations following the directive of the FBI’s CJIS Security Policy. If the vendor is providing information technology infrastructure, the criminal justice agency would also need to evaluate that infrastructure under the terms of the FBI CJIS Security Policy. That background investigation will only be compliant for that agency
If you are a Minnesota Department in need of redaction services please contact us today! We would enjoy working with you.
