A raising need for a common information system
When it was first imagined, the Schengen area was synonym with harmonization of border control. In fact the countries involved in this project wanted to step up controls at the external borders and to better control the traffic by cooperation. That means that the contracting states conduct border controls only at the borders with non-Schengen states or at harbors and airports in line with common high Schengen standards. Although this means that systematic border management is introduced, it does not mean that the common Schengen area is hermetically sealed off from the rest of the world.

Another consequence of the Schengen agreement is that cross-border police cooperation was agreed upon. For example police officers in any given Schengen state may observe or pursue suspects across Schengen borders, as long as they are in the Schengen area. No longer can criminals avoid capture by running in neighboring countries.

The SIS was designed and implemented to ease this tight cooperation between Schengen member states.

What is the Schengen Information System (SIS)

The Schengen Information System or SIS is an information system that allows authorities of the member states of Schengen to access information regarding certain persons and/or property. This information is common and accessible to all member states.

It is considered to be a crucial factor in the smooth running of the area in term of security and justice. The SIS has a great contribution in the judicial, criminal matters, and police co-operation and thus strengthen the security of the Schengen area considerably.

The Schengen Joint Supervisory Authority (JSA)
The Schengen Joint Supervisory Authority or JSA has been set up in order to manage and supervise of the technical support function of the Schengen Information System (SIS). This authority is made out of two representatives from each national data protection authority of the Schengen Member States. It is an independent body with real authority powers.

Main tasks and responsibilities :

  1. Supervises the technical support function of the SIS.
  2. Examines any difficulties of application or interpretation that may arise during the operation of the SIS.
  3. Delivers opinions.
  4. Aims to harmonize legal practices and interpretation at national level.

The Schengen Information System Part I, Part II
Disclaimer: Every effort is made to provide accurate and complete information. However we cannot guarantee that there will be no errors. We make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the contents of this post, and all provided are to be used as a guideline

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This entry was posted on Wednesday, December 5th, 2007 at 12:53 pm and is filed under News and Info. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.