Senator Collins Announces $37 Million to Support Information Sharing Among Law Enforcement

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Susan Collins, announced that the Senate Appropriations Committee has approved $37 million—an increase of $1 million—for the Regional Information Sharing System (RISS) as part of the fiscal year 2019 Commerce, Justice, and Science bill.  Senator Collins is a senior member of the Appropriations Committee and the Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Subcommittee.  The bill, which was advanced by a vote of 30-1, 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.

“I have heard from countless police officers, detectives, and sheriffs throughout Maine about how effective RISS tools are in helping to solve crimes,” said Senator Collins.  “The increased funding for RISS will support efforts to fight crime at all levels of law enforcement.”

Last year, funding for RISS benefited nearly 140 law enforcement agencies and more than 3,000 law enforcement personnel in Maine.  Many of the tools available through the RISS network have allowed Maine law enforcement to collect considerable evidence to combat thefts, drug trafficking, and other crimes.

The Administration proposed significant reductions for RISS in its FY 2019 budget request.  Given the critical importance of this program, Senator Collins sent a letter to the Senate Appropriations Committee earlier this year requesting increased funding for RISS.