EU: New SIS network
01 November 1999
Cooperation between national criminal investigation and intelligence agencies in the EU is set to be enhanced by new technologies deployed in the framework of the Schengen Information System (SIS). The new "data communication environment" - SISNET - has yet to be specifically defined, but will be based on the rapid IT transfer of detailed intelligence following "alerts" on the SIS. By March 1999, authorities from nine Schengen countries had entered 8,826,856 records on the SIS - data relating to persons wanted for arrest, extradition, in relation to criminal proceedings or those under "discreet surveillance"; "aliens" to be refused entry at external borders; and stolen cars and other objects recorded in connection with criminal activity (this last group accounts for the majority of records). When a participating state is alerted to information entered by another, further (bilateral) information exchange follows. SISNET will apply new technology to this procedure.
User requirements have been requested from member states and will form the basis of the new system which "has to be operational by August 2001". The next generation SIS ("SIS II", currently being constructed) provides for the electronic transmission of photos and fingerprints (through "SIRPIT"), beyond this, SISNET may offer the capacity to transmit DNA profiles (the EU is to create an international DNA database) and ballistic analyses for the identification of firearms. SISNET will also provide links to the diplomatic missions of member states outside the EU to "exchange data on the issuing of visas".
The Finnish delegation, whose requirements are the most detailed of the national responses would also like to see a facility for transmitting "real-time video and sound", including that obtained during discreet surveillance operations (Article 99) and "cross-border pursuits" (Article 41, Schengen Implementing Convention). The SIRENE bureaux (used by police forces to communicate and exchange data following SIS alerts) should also be upgraded to allow video conferencing through SISNET.
Under the Amsterdam Treaty, the SIS has been incorporated into the EU framework. Norway and Iceland have also signed up to the SIS (implementation provisions are well underway) and the partial participation of the UK and Ireland (see Statewatch, vol 9 no 5) will soon see 17 states contributing and accessing SIS data. Enlargement of the EU will see SIS II providing the necessary increased capacity to extend the system to the candidate countries.
Sources: New data communication environment, NOTE from SIS-TECH Working Party to SIRENE Working Party, 10820/1/99 SIS-TECH 136 COMIX 218 rev 1, 20 September 1999; Notes from delegations - Austria (11504/99), Finland (11576/99), Italy (11628/99), France (11740/99) and Germany (11807).<