Many agencies have already done the hard work of complying with the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) requirements. Achieving that milestone is no small feat, especially when resources are limited and workflows cannot afford disruption.

But compliance is only the foundation. For law enforcement and their partners, the next challenge is making secure access easier to use, less time-consuming, and more adaptable to everyday workflows.

The new demands of CJIS

In 2024, the FBI issued two significant updates to CJIS. Version 5.9.5 mandated multifactor authentication for anyone accessing criminal justice data. Version 6.0, released later that year, expanded requirements to include continuous monitoring, supply chain and third-party risk management, and lifecycle-based access controls.

Agencies have responded by implementing the technical and procedural controls needed to meet these standards. Yet many are now finding that being compliant does not always mean operating efficiently.

The hidden friction of compliance

Too often, CJIS requirements are met in ways that introduce friction. Shared workstations may require repeated, time-consuming logins. Legacy applications may not integrate with multifactor authentication. Third-party access requests may take IT staff hours to configure and later revoke.

The result is slowdowns in investigations and daily operations, frustrated personnel, and in some cases, risky workarounds. Compliance may be technically satisfied, but usability and sustainability suffer.

Why usability strengthens compliance

Strong security is only sustainable when it aligns with real-world workflows. If authentication is clunky or monitoring creates heavy administrative overhead, users are more likely to find shortcuts. By focusing on usability as much as compliance, agencies can protect sensitive data while reducing frustration and inefficiency.

How digital identity makes compliance practical

Whether an agency is still working toward compliance or has already implemented the latest CJIS requirements, the need goes beyond simply meeting a mandate. What truly matters is having access controls that are both secure and usable in real-world conditions.

Digital identity is the foundation for making compliance practical and effective. The most effective strategies combine several key capabilities:

• Frictionless multifactor authentication. Officers and staff need quick, secure access whether they are logging into a shared workstation, a mobile data terminal, or a cloud-based application. Flexible authentication options, such as badge taps, biometrics, or mobile verification, reduce frustration while meeting policy standards.
• Secure third-party access. Vendors, contractors, and consultants often require system access, but that access must be temporary, limited to only what is necessary, and fully auditable. This ensures outside partners meet the same security expectations as internal staff.
• Audit-ready visibility. Every interaction with CJIS data should be logged with details about who accessed what, when, and from where. These records support both day-to-day monitoring and long-term compliance reporting.
• Compatibility with legacy and modern systems. Agencies cannot simply replace every system that lacks native multifactor authentication. The ability to layer modern access controls onto older systems ensures that compliance and security extend across the full IT environment.

Focusing on these capabilities, agencies can reduce access friction while also building long-term confidence in their compliance posture. The result is a secure, efficient foundation that protects sensitive data and supports daily operations.

Best practices for sustainable compliance

Agencies that want to move from simple compliance to total confidence should focus on three priorities:

• Streamline high-friction workflows. Replace repeated password entry with faster methods such as badge taps or biometrics.
• Automate third-party controls. Easily enforce least-privilege access while minimizing IT workload.
• Leverage existing infrastructure. Integrate with systems already in place, such as directories and identification badges.

CJIS sets the standard for protecting some of the nation’s most sensitive data. Achieving compliance is critical, but true operational resilience comes from making compliance and everyday access practical.

With Imprivata, agencies can go beyond compliance by reducing access friction, empowering personnel, and strengthening security every step of the way.

Want to learn more about the latest updates to CJIS mandates? Download our free white paper, CJIS 6.0 compliance made practical.