Senator Collins Announces $36 Million to Support Information Sharing Among Law Enforcement

Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, announced today that the Senate Appropriations Committee has approved $36 million, an increase of $1 million, for the Regional Information Sharing System (RISS) as part of the fiscal year 2017 Commerce, Justice, and Science bill.  The legislation was unanimously approved by the Committee and will now be considered by the full Senate.

RISS consists of six regional centers serving nearly 9,000 federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, linking thousands of criminal justice agencies in their efforts to combat multi-jurisdictional crimes.  The program allows law enforcement officers to query intelligence databases, retrieve information from investigative systems, solicit assistance from research staff, utilize surveillance equipment, receive training, and use analytical staff to help prosecute criminals.

“The increased funding for RISS will support efforts to fight crime at all levels of law enforcement.  Maine’s police officers, detectives, and sheriffs repeatedly tell me how effective RISS tools are in helping to solve crimes,” said Senator Collins.

The Administration proposed reducing funding for RISS by $10 million in its FY 2017 budget request.  Given the critical importance of this program, Senator Collins wrote a letter to the Senate Appropriations Committee earlier this year requesting increased funding for RISS.

"On behalf of all the RISS Directors, we want to personally thank Senator Collins for her long standing support for this effective and successful program,” said Don Kennedy, Executive Director of the New England State Police Information Network (NESPIN), one of the six RISS Centers.  “Her advocacy for this much-needed funding increase will truly help us to assist state and law enforcement in Maine, across New England, and throughout our country."  Mr. Kennedy is currently the president of the RISS Directors Association, Inc., and chair of the RISS National Policy Group.