The major goal of the RISS Program is to provide law enforcement member agencies with the necessary tools to share information about known or suspected criminals and criminal activity. The operation of the RISS secure intranet (RISSNET™) enhances this goal by expanding the information sharing and communications capabilities of RISS member agencies by providing various secure databases and investigative tools.

Upon member agency request, RISS center personnel can create various analytical products to meet member agency needs. Case-specific support includes compilation and analysis of investigative data to develop analytical products as requested by the member agency. In addition, RISS personnel provide computer forensics analysis. This service involves data retrieval from computers seized in member investigations.

Pools of specialized investigative and surveillance equipment are available for loan to member agencies for use in support of multijurisdictional investigations. Center equipment pools contain various types of specialized photographic, communications, and surveillance equipment. Inventory controls and procedures ensure proper use of center equipment.

Member agencies can use these funds to purchase information, contraband, stolen property, and other items of an evidentiary nature or to provide for other investigative expenses related to multijurisdictional investigations. The availability and use of confidential funds are strictly controlled by federal guidelines, and internal policies and procedures are developed by each center.

RISS centers sponsor or cosponsor meetings and conferences that build investigative expertise for member agency personnel in their respective regions. Meeting and conference formats often provide a mixture of training and information sharing activities. Subject areas include anti-terrorism training, crime-specific investigative techniques, surveillance techniques, use of specialized equipment, officer safety information, and analytical techniques.

Field staff units at each center provide technical assistance to member agencies. Technical assistance may include explanation of and guidance in requesting services, installation and use of RISSNET™, and various training activities.

RISS has traditionally served law enforcement and criminal justice member agencies. RISS has expanded its services through the Automated Trusted Information Exchange (ATIX) to provide first responders and public safety executives and officials with access to homeland security, disaster, and terrorism information in a secure environment.

Learn more about RISS ATIX

RISSafe is an officer safety event deconfliction system. The purpose of the RISSafe application is to store and maintain information on planned law enforcement activities. Upcoming events are posted and monitored for potentially dangerous conflicting law enforcement operations. If a conflict is identified, immediate notification to the submitting officer occurs, as well as notification to the conflicted officers.

Learn more about RISSafe

The RISS National Gang Program, known collectively as RISSGang™, is a comprehensive investigative tool consisting of an intelligence database, informational resource, and secure communications to aid in investigations that combat gang-related crimes.

Learn more about RISSGang