Identification & Information Technology Section
Major Michael Buray - Commanding Officer
The members of the Identification & Information Technology Section are instrumental in providing technological services to the law enforcement community statewide. From the development and implementation of state of the art applications to the electronic publishing of crime statistics to using mapping to identify high crime areas, this Section enables the Division to stay at the forefront of the nationwide drive to better use today's technological advances to fight crime.
The Section is comprised of the following Bureaus and Units:
- Criminal Justice Records Bureau
- Information Technology Bureau
- Operational Technology & Interoperability Bureau
- State Bureau of Identification
Criminal Justice Records Bureau
The following Units make up the Criminal Justice Records Bureau:
- Discovery Unit
- Records & Archives Management Unit
- Uniform Crime Reporting (Compliance Unit and Analytical Unit)
Discovery Unit
The Discovery Unit is responsible for fulfilling requests for all discovery materials that the New Jersey State Police generates. These requests include criminal, drunk driving, traffic, motor vehicle accident, and boating accident reports.
Records & Archives Management Unit
This unit perpetuates state police documents through digitizing records produced throughout the Division. The records archive is maintained as per the Department of Treasury, Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services, Records Management Services. It also maintains the state police Records Retention Schedule System and legally destroys documents in accordance with policies set forth by the Department of Treasury, Division of Revenue and Enterprise Service, Records Management Service.
Uniform Crime Reporting (Compliance Unit and Analytical Unit)
Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) is comprised of two individual units: The UCR Compliance Unit and the UCR Analytical Unit. Both units work collectively to gather, analyze, and publish the UCR data for the state of New Jersey. The UCR Compliance Unit is responsible for the collection and compilation of crime statistics reported by all law enforcement agencies within the state. Annual training and instruction, periodic audits and statistical verifications are conducted by the UCR Compliance Unit in order to ensure quality crime statistics and data are being submitted by every law enforcement agency in NJ. After collection, the UCR Analytical Unit analyzes the UCR data, including the supplemental reports completed for all domestic violence, bias, and carjacking incidents reported statewide.
The UCR units compile reported statewide crime data to produce the annual Crime in New Jersey publication, Domestic Violence Report, Bias Incident Report and Carjacking Offense Report. After collection and review, the UCR Analytical Unit submits the UCR statistics to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Uniform Crime Report Program.
The UCR Analytical Unit has collaborated with the Bureau of Justice Statistics after securing a grant to fund the state’s transition to the FBI’s National Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS), which is a more comprehensive platform for collecting crime statistics. The NJSP implemented a new NIBRS UCR repository in 2019 which initiated the certification process for the state of New Jersey to become compliant with the new Federal reporting standard. As a result of this grant, NJ law enforcement agencies are submitting NIBRS data into the state repository which can then be utilized to analyze crime data, identify patterns and trends as well as the potential use for predictive policing.
Information Technology Bureau
The Information Technology Bureau provides the Division of State Police with the technical expertise and support necessary to carry out the Division's mission through the strategic use of computerization. Further, the Information Technology Bureau augments the Law Enforcement Community's ability to protect and serve by facilitating the storage and retrieval of computerized information relevant to preserving the public's safety.
- Application Modernization Unit
- Enterprise Data Services Unit
- Information Security Unit
- IT Contracting Unit
- IT Project Management Office
- IT Systems Support Unit
- Network Services Unit
- Programming Unit
Application Modernization Unit
Designs custom computer applications to meet the needs of the Division and the state's law enforcement community. Coordinates program development and maintenance along with the Project Management Office.
Maintains and enhances existing State Police Intranet Applications. Works with vendors to integrate their products with existing State Police Systems.
Enterprise Data Services Unit
Responsible for design, writing, testing and debugging of personal computer/local area network database applications and the administration of the Division's database servers.
The primary responsibility of the Unit is the development and management of database solutions consistent with the needs and goals of the Division of State Police and its associated business units. Additionally, the unit installs, configures, and maintains the Division’s business applications infrastructure, including the regular application of database software and security patches and updates.
Enterprise Data Services Unit administers and manages databases and database servers ensuring “authorized” accessibility, data integrity, and internal data security.
Provide the necessary technical support for all issues and problems relating to database schema access, SQL query performance tuning, and other related database and database-connection needs, which are associated with the Unit’s management of the Division ‘s business application and database infrastructure.
Information Security Unit
The Information Security Unit is responsible for the safeguard of information contained within the Division of State Police Computing resources. Associated with these responsibilities is the security and integrity of the network from intrusion, disruption and destruction of sensitive data.
The Information Security Unit provides proactive monitoring of the CJIS Network and is responsible for network security design and configuration. They also conduct periodic field audits to ensure local, county and State compliance with FBI CJIS regulations.
The Information Security Unit implements and maintains the requirements for the federally mandated state Information Security Officer (ISO) and serves as a state level focal point for the gathering and dissemination of information for other local, county, state and military on information security issues.
IT Contracting Unit
The IT Contracting Unit provides Division wide Information Technology (IT) Purchasing Services.
IT Project Management Office
The IT PMO tracks the Division’s Information Technology Portfolio. The Office documents clearly defined project boundaries and resources, placing simple processes into motion to ensure consistent reporting and change management. It uses an established governance model to review and approve project progress at each stage of the project life cycle. The Office serves as project manager for large projects as assigned by the ITB Bureau Chief. It assimilates technology, people, process and infrastructure towards a common goal.
IT Systems Support Unit
The IT Systems Support Unit (ITSSU) is responsible for the, receipt, configuration, installation, and ongoing maintenance of all computer related hardware and software for the Division. The Unit sets computer hardware and software standards and ensures computer equipment is purchased and deployed within these guidelines. ITSSU Manages user accounts for Division personnel, providing secure access to State Police computer systems and data. The unit's staff provides technical support to Division personnel as well as its vendors and partners.
Network Services Unit
The Network Services Unit (NSU) is responsible for the planning, development, configuration, implementation, and maintenance of the Division of State Police data network. This State wide infrastructure is comprised of the physical wiring, routers, switches, wireless access points, and server hardware, as well as the software and services that together provide local and wide area connectivity. The unit develops, deploys, and maintains the Division of State Police Storage Area Network, including strategies and tactics for disaster recovery of data storage. It is charges with the management of all network authentication of users and computers, directory and print services, as well as DHCP and DNS. NSU designs, implements, and maintains all email services for the Division, including remote and mobile access. The unit deploys and maintains all systems in accordance with policies of the NJSP Information Security Unit as well as the NJOIT security mandates.
Programming Unit
Writes, tests, and debugs Main Frame Applications based on specifications written by the Project Management Office.
Coordinates the programming efforts with the Office of Information Technology Main Frame System Administrators.
Operational Technology & Interoperability Bureau
The Operational Technology & Interoperability Bureau provides technical solutions in support of the Division's operational activities and is comprised of the following units:
- Software Integration & Support Unit
- Vehicle Operations & Deployment Unit
- Communication Infrastructure Unit
Software Integration & Support Unit
The Software Integration & Support Unit is tasked with supporting the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system utilized at all New Jersey State Police public safety dispatching locations and by all operational personnel at road stations and in patrol vehicles. The Unit is also responsible for the associated records management system, which interfaces with the CAD system and functions as the repository for reports generated by NJSP operational personnel.
In addition to these primary responsibilities, the Unit also administers and supports software applications that are utilized to provide mobile connectivity to road Troopers while on patrol and responding to calls for service. The operating system that runs on the mobile data computers in the Division's patrol vehicles is developed and maintained by the Unit, as well.
Vehicle Operations & Deployment Unit
The Vehicle Operations and Deployment Unit identifies mobile information technology solutions that have strategic value to the Division's business and enforcement activities.
The unit is responsible for the product selection, implementation, and maintenance of the Mobile Data Computers (MDC), Digital In-Video Recorders (DIVR) and Body Worn Cameras (BWC), as well as the electronic ticketing and motor vehicle crash reporting systems.
The Unit is also responsible for the installation and maintenance of the radio communications equipment, emergency lights and sirens, and speed detection equipment that are used in the Division's operational units.
Communication Infrastructure Unit
The Communication Infrastructure Unit is responsible for the statewide radio communications network utilized by the New Jersey State Police, including implementation, programming, maintenance, repair, expansion, and testing to ensure signal integrity. The Unit also works with other governmental agencies that need to utilize the State Police radio network. The main critical infrastructure falling under the control of the Unit includes numerous 800 MHZ radio tower sites, which blanket the state with radio coverage, in addition to supplemental low-band towers.
Additionally, the Communication Infrastructure Unit installs and maintains the radio console equipment utilized at the State Police dispatch locations and 911 Call Center, as well as within the road stations. The connectivity of the mobile radio equipment installed in the Division's fleet vehicles and the handheld portable radios is also the responsibility of the Unit.
The Communication Infrastructure Unit is also responsible for all of the Division's telecommunications needs. This includes the maintenance of the various systems needed to support the critical telephone, cellular, and mobile data devices. As a result, the Unit also acts as a liaison between the Division and the various service vendors to ensure timely and proper implementation of these communication needs.
State Bureau of Identification (SBI)
The State Bureau of Identification (SBI) functions as the central repository for the receiving, verifying, coding, processing, and dissemination of all criminal history record information utilized by criminal justice agencies for criminal justice purposes and noncriminal justice agencies for licensing/employment purposes.
Current computer technology allows for the input, update, and dissemination of accurate and timely criminal history record information (CHRI).
The Bureau has management responsibility for the following statewide programs:
- Master Name Index
- Computerized Criminal History System
- Noncriminal User Fee System
- Megan's Law Sex Offender Registry
- Central Drug Registry
- Interstate Identification Index
- Court Disposition Reporting System
- Automated Fingerprint Identification System
- Arrest and Conviction Flag File
- National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS)
- National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
- Criminal Justice Information Systems
- Volunteer Review Operation
- Expungement
Federal and state laws mandate that the services provided by the SBI be maintained at a high level of efficiency and accuracy.
Presently, there are over eleven thousand New Jersey Criminal Justice Information System (NJCJIS) field terminals which access the Bureau's computerized criminal history files for arrest, prosecutorial, and custody information.
The following Units make up the State Bureau of Identification:
- Biometric Identification Unit
- Criminal Information Unit
- Criminal Justice Information System Control Unit
- Criminal Records Integrity & Compliance Unit
- Expungement Unit
- National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) Unit
Biometric Identification Unit
The Biometric Identification Unit (BIU) is responsible for the maintenance and use of the state Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS). The AFIS is utilized for classifying, searching, storing, and verifying all criminal and noncriminal fingerprints, palm print, and mug photo record submissions and crime scene evidence submissions. The Tenprint database contains more than 8,000,000 fingerprint records and over 1,000,000 palm print records.
The implementation and efficient utilization of the AFIS has enabled the unit to achieve its mandates by processing criminal arrest and noncriminal licensing/employment fingerprint records in a timely and accurate manner. Since its inception in May 1990, the AFIS has proven to be one of the most significant advancements in law enforcement technology.
The current AFIS software in use is the Idemia- Morpho Biometric Identification Solution (MorphoBIS). The MorphoBIS AFIS provides for faster record processing and improved print matching capabilities of digital print records received 24 hours a day from the point of booking to the State Bureau of Identification (SBI) utilizing digital live scan and mug photo devices. This process provides for rapid identification while a suspect is still in custody. At the end of the identification process, the suspect’s NJ criminal history record is automatically built and/or updated and the fingerprint and palm print record is then electronically transmitted to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Next Generation Identification (NGI) to be searched nationally. The digital mug photo is stored in SBI’s central repository, where it is shared and viewable by the entire law enforcement community. Stored mug photos are used in facial recognition comparisons and digital mug photo line ups and populate the Offender Watch Sex Offender Registry. Mug photos are also forwarded to the FBI and added to the federal Facial Recognition database.
As of January 2024, there were 720 live scan devices deployed statewide. Nearly all full-time law enforcement agencies in New Jersey are equipped with a live scan device. Additionally, 609 agencies are equipped with mug photo devices and 526 agencies submit palm prints. Nearly all criminal fingerprints, palm print, and mug photo submissions are electronically submitted to SBI and NGI.
Biometric Identification Unit’s Investigation Operation
To assist law enforcement agencies throughout the state, the BIU has three (3) locations capable of processing latent print submissions from crime scenes. Troop A Headquarters in Buena Vista, Holmdel Station on the Garden State Parkway, and NJ State Police Division Headquarters in West Trenton, NJ.
- Buena Vista latent hours are 8:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M., Monday through Friday. Phone # (609) 561-1800 Ext. 3326.
- Holmdel latent hours are 8:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M., Monday through Friday. Phone # (732) 441-4525.
- NJ State Police Division Headquarters Latent Operation and Tenprint Operation hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Phone # (609) 882-2000 Ext. 2461
As of January 2024, BIU has received and processed more than 35,000 latent cases resulting in nearly 26,000 possible suspect identifications.
The Investigation Operation is also responsible for the processing of deceased and unidentified or missing persons, forwarding records as needed to the FBI for expanded database searches including the Department of Defense and Homeland Security files. This operation has proven essential for notification of next of kin in collaboration with the NJSP Missing Persons Unit and the FBI - NGI Deceased Persons Identification Services Unit. BIU processed over 1,300 deceased print records in 2023.
Criminal Information Unit
New legislation has increased the number of citizens that are required to be fingerprinted for licensing, employment, firearms application, and volunteering. Numerous public and private sector employers now require job applicants to submit to background and fingerprint based checks. Many non-profit groups that have members or volunteers who interact with children and senior citizens (i.e., Boy Scout Troop Leaders, Youth Coaches, and Health Care Workers etc.) require fingerprinting.
The State of New Jersey utilizes a state contracted vendor to schedule and provide electronic live scan fingerprint services. The vendor provides an 800 number and a web based on-line scheduling service to allow applicants to schedule fingerprint appointments within seven (7) days. Applicant fingerprints are electronically captured at the contractor’s private fingerprint sites within approximately ten (10) minutes. Currently the state contracted vendor has eighteen (18) static sites located within twenty (20) miles of an applicant’s residence, school, or place of employment. The state vendor also offers the ability to schedule mobile fingerprinting operations at various locations. For more information on applicant and noncriminal fingerprinting, please visit https://uenroll.identogo.com/ or contact the state vendor’s call center at 1-877-503-5981.
The use of live scan fingerprinting technologies has reduced the ink and roll card process and completes the applicant's background check within ten (10) business days, for both State and Federal checks. Fingerprints are electronically captured, which reduces poor quality submissions and the need to create two (2) sets (state and federal) of fingerprint cards. Submitting state agencies typically receive criminal history record results electronically within one to ten business days.
For additional information on applicant and noncriminal fingerprinting, please contact the Criminal Information Unit at 609 882-2000 x 2918.
Criminal Justice Information System Control Unit
The Criminal Justice Information System Control Unit (CJISCU) is designated as the CJIS Systems Agency (CSA) by the FBI, and provides statewide management to criminal justice users with respect to CJIS data. The system is utilized by 850 criminal justice agencies and provides users with computerized data from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC), National Crime Information Center (NCIC), and the National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NLETS).
The main objective of CJISCU is to ensure that all statewide users meet NCIC policy requirements, by enforcing system integrity, discipline, and security. To accomplish this, CJISCU conducts periodic training, triennial audits, and security checks of all users.
The New Jersey Criminal Justice Information System Security Policy outlines and defines security measures for all statewide users. The Security Policy covers personnel security, physical and visual security of terminal sites, user authorization, technical security, dissemination of CJIS information, audit program, and Mobile Data Computer (MDC) access control standards.
Authorized CJIS users throughout the state can access additional information and resources regarding CJIS via the Garden State Network (GSN) website at, CJIS.NJSP.ORG. The website provides a centralized location for users to obtain guidance relating to network and computer security. The website is for use by authorized criminal justice personnel only.
Criminal Records Integrity Unit
The Criminal Records Integrity Unit (CRICU) creates, updates, modifies and reviews all computerized criminal history (CCH) records contained within the Master Name Index (MNI) and the CCH system. CRICU searches, identifies, and inputs all criminal source documents into the CCH and MNI and reviews the criminal history files prior to dissemination to ensure accuracy.
CRICU’s continuing interface with the Administrative Office of the Courts' (AOC) Automated Complaint System (ACS) aim to eliminate paper reporting to the SBI from the municipal courts. The completed interface with the AOC PROMIS/Gavel system has eliminated the manual paper reporting from the twenty one county superior courts. Juvenile records are flagged for criminal dispositions from the family courts by this unit. Correctional information on jailed subjects is flagged via an automated interface and built on the CCH records for a complete criminal background record. Arrest/conviction notifications are electronically sent from this unit to requesting agencies.
New Jersey is one of twenty states participating in the National Fingerprint File (NFF) Program, which allows for the electronic transmission of federal Interstate Identification Index (III) records directly from this state. CRICU maintains the Central Drug Registry for law enforcement employment background checks and maintains all records in the Firearms Licensing System for application/registration.
This unit also manages the New Jersey Sex Offender Registry (NJSOR) software. CRICU reviews sex offender records submitted from the twenty one county prosecutor offices for accuracy, completeness, and publication on the NJ Sex Offender Registry web site at New Jersey Sex Offender Internet Registry for public safety. As a requirement of Megan's Law, CRICU contributes the sex offender records to the federal Convicted Sexual Offender Registry File (CSORF). CRICU assists with the building of Computerized Criminal History (CCH) records from the criminal disposition data retrieved from automated criminal disposition databases. This unit also links DNA data from the State Police laboratory system to the CCH record for access by law enforcement agencies for investigative purposes.
Expungement Unit
The Expungement Unit ensures an individual's right to privacy with the sealing and expunging of all criminal records ordered by the court, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:52-1 et seq., N.J.S.A. 2C:35-14m, and N.J.S.A. 2C:44-1.1.The unit is responsible for reviewing petitions and court orders to determine if they conflict with the intent of the law. The unit also reviews and disseminates expunged records for criminal justice agencies, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:52-27c.
National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) Unit
The New Jersey State Police (NJSP) NICS Operation Center conducts background checks for Federal Firearms Licensees (FFL) on prospective firearm purchasers in accordance with the provisions set forth in the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act, 18 U.S.C. Section 922. The NICS Operation Center transmits a formatted message to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) NICS Operation Center accessing the Interstate Identification Index (III), National Crime Information Center (NCIC) hot files, and the NICS Index. In addition to these files, the NJSP NICS Operation Center accesses the following New Jersey data bases: the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) Domestic Violence Central Registry, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) files, and the NJSP Firearms Investigations Unit files.
On November 30, 1998, the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act (Brady Act) was signed into law. Under the Act, Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) must contact the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) prior to the transfer of a firearm to an unlicensed individual in order to receive information on whether the individual is disqualified by federal or state law from possessing a firearm.
FFLs will contact the NICS via a point of contact (POC) established within their respective state or through the NICS Operation Center at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), depending upon whether the state is a POC for the NICS.
New Jersey FFLs use the New Jersey State Police NICS Unit as the Point of Contact rather than going to the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System directly. The advantage to this is that the NICS Unit has access to New Jersey criminal history records unavailable to agencies outside of the state, as well as access to the national records.
The NICS Unit personnel will “proceed” the sale or “delay” the sale pending further investigation. The NICS Unit will only perform the background check as a service in conjunction with a firearm transaction. The NICS Unit handles thousands of requests per month for each application for the purchase or transfer of a firearm.
The background checks are conducted to ascertain if the person attempting to obtain a firearm falls within any of the prohibited categories as outlined in Section 922(g) or (n) of Title 18, United States Code or any New Jersey specific disqualifiers.
An example of prohibited categories include/but are not limited to:
922(g)1 – Person who has been convicted in any court of, a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year
922(g)2 – Person who is a fugitive from justice
922(g)3 – Person who is an unlawful users of or addicted to any controlled substance (as defined in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802))
922(g)4 – Person who has been adjudicated as a mental defective or have been committed to a mental institution
922(g)5 – Person who, being an alien, is illegally or unlawfully in the United States
922(g)6 – Person who has been discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions
922(g)7 – Person who, having been citizens of the United States, has renounced their U.S. citizenship
922(g)8 – Person who is subject to a court order that restrains them from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner or child of such intimate partner, or from engaging in other conduct that would place the partner or child in reasonable fear of bodily injury
922(g)9 – Person who has been convicted in any court of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence
922(g)n – Person who is under indictment or information for any crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year
Clarification Regarding a Pending Expungement and the Negative Impact of a NICS Denial.
The New Jersey State Police, Firearms Investigation unit and National Instant Criminal Background Check System, NICS Unit would like to provide the following statement regarding individuals with a court order for an expungement during the waiting period prior to the execution and completion of the expungement.
When a NICS denial occurs, it has a negative impact that will remain a lifelong burden on the individual. This information is being provided to increase awareness and minimize the number of denials being applied to individuals with a court order for an expungement that is pending completion.
As per 2C:58-3d. Issuance, the chief of police or highest ranking authority where the applicant resides has the discretion to approve FID Cards, Pistol Purchase Permits, and Carry Permits. However, when the NICS Check is performed. The NICS Unit will continue to deny the transfer of a firearm to an applicant with a Criminal History, Court Record and a disqualifier/prohibitor observed while the record is Pending Expungement.
The NICS Unit is obligated to adhere to the FBI’s guidelines and standards in order to remain in compliance with the federal standards and guidelines. On a regularly scheduled basis, the FBI will send an audit team to New Jersey, specifically the NICS Unit. The audit team will scrutinize, observe and evaluate if the NICS Unit is adhering to the compliance standards or violating the compliance standards during the NICS Background Check process. If a NICS Background Check is approved for an applicant that has been granted an Order of Expungement, and the expungement is pending, the NICS Unit would be deemed out of compliance and as a result, penalties and/or sanctions may be imposed.
Once expunged, the prohibiting statutes will no longer appear on the NJCCH, court records, or be available to the national requestors via III to be utilized in conjunction with a NICS check. After the expungement has been completed, an individual can begin the application process for firearms ownership.
Law enforcement may use this information to appropriately advise applicants of same.
