When law enforcement agencies evaluate new technology, features matter—but security matters even more.
From criminal justice records and evidence to personally identifiable information (PII), public safety agencies manage highly sensitive data every day. Protecting that information requires more than strong passwords. It requires a security-first foundation built around compliance, layered protection, continuous monitoring, and agency control.
SmartCOP was designed with that philosophy from the beginning.
For more than 25 years, SmartCOP has helped public safety agencies operate with confidence by providing CJIS compliant public safety software that balances strong security with the accessibility officers and staff need to do their jobs efficiently.
Whether your agency chooses cloud, on-premises, or a hybrid deployment, SmartCOP provides multiple layers of protection designed to help safeguard critical data while supporting compliance with the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security Policy.
Key Takeaways
- SmartCOP follows a security-first approach designed around FBI CJIS Security Policy requirements.
- Agencies can deploy SmartCOP in AWS GovCloud (US), on-premises, or in a hybrid environment.
- Layered security includes role-based access, multi-factor authentication, encryption, monitoring, and endpoint protection.
- Continuous vulnerability management and routine security updates help reduce cybersecurity risk.
- Agencies maintain control over their own data while selecting the deployment model that best fits their operational needs.
Security Begins with a CJIS-First Philosophy
Every public safety agency faces the same challenge:
How do you keep critical systems accessible to officers while protecting sensitive criminal justice information from unauthorized access?
SmartCOP addresses this through a security-first approach, where access is granted only after the appropriate protections are in place. This philosophy aligns with the FBI CJIS Security Policy and gives agencies direct control over user permissions, authentication, and data access.
Instead of applying security as an afterthought, SmartCOP builds it into every layer of the platform—from user authentication to system monitoring and encryption.
Flexible Deployment Without Sacrificing Security
Every agency’s infrastructure is different.
That’s why SmartCOP allows agencies to choose the deployment model that best fits their operational and IT requirements.
AWS GovCloud (US)
For agencies seeking a managed cloud environment, SmartCOP supports deployment in AWS GovCloud (US), a region designed specifically for U.S. government workloads.
This environment provides:
- FedRAMP High authorized infrastructure
- U.S.-only data residency
- Support for CJIS-aligned security requirements
- Independent security audits and continuous compliance monitoring
AWS GovCloud also incorporates NIST security controls and supports numerous federal compliance frameworks, giving agencies confidence in the infrastructure supporting their mission-critical applications.
On-Premises
Some agencies prefer to maintain full control of their infrastructure.
With an on-premises deployment, SmartCOP allows all agency data to remain behind the agency’s firewall while following recommended security best practices for backups, monitoring, SSL encryption, antivirus protection, and secure network architecture.
Hybrid
Agencies can also combine cloud scalability with on-premises resources for specific workloads, providing flexibility without compromising security.
Defense-in-Depth Protects Every Layer
Cybersecurity is strongest when multiple protections work together.
SmartCOP uses a defense-in-depth strategy that combines identity management, encryption, monitoring, vulnerability management, and endpoint protection.
Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
Every user receives only the permissions required for their role.
Administrators control exactly what users can view, edit, approve, or delete, helping reduce unnecessary access to sensitive information. Security roles simplify administration while maintaining least-privilege access across CAD, RMS, Jail Management, and other applications.
Multi-Factor Authentication
SmartCOP supports multi-factor authentication (MFA) using time-based one-time passwords through Microsoft Authenticator or equivalent solutions.
For mobile users, SmartAuth provides secure authentication without requiring a VPN, using SSL-encrypted communications for secure field access.
Strong Encryption
Protecting data requires encryption both while information is stored and while it is moving across networks.
SmartCOP supports:
- TLS 1.2 encrypted communications
- FIPS 140-2 compliant encryption
- AES-256 encryption for data at rest
- Industry-standard end-to-end encryption methods including AES and Triple DES
These protections help safeguard agency information whether it is stored on servers or transmitted between systems.
Continuous Monitoring Helps Identify Threats Early
Strong security doesn’t stop after implementation.
SmartCOP continuously monitors system activity through:
- Audit logs
- Firewall logs
- Login monitoring
- Account activity tracking
- File access logging
- Critical security event alerts
- One-year minimum log retention
These capabilities provide agencies with greater visibility into system activity while helping support investigations, audits, and compliance requirements.
Proactive Vulnerability Management
Cyber threats continue to evolve, making continuous security maintenance essential.
SmartCOP supports agencies with:
- Continuous vulnerability scanning using Rapid7 InsightVM or equivalent technologies
- Routine OS and firmware patching
- Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR/XDR) solutions such as CrowdStrike or Symantec
- Regular risk assessments documented by the SmartCOP Security Officer
Combined with agency best practices, these measures help reduce risk while strengthening the overall security posture of SmartCOP environments.
Security Is a Shared Responsibility
Technology alone cannot secure an agency.
SmartCOP provides secure software, guidance, and recommended best practices, while agencies maintain responsibility for securing their networks, workstations, firewalls, and local operational procedures.
This shared responsibility model helps agencies maintain strong cybersecurity practices regardless of whether they operate in the cloud or on-premises.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SmartCOP CJIS compliant?
SmartCOP is designed to adhere to the FBI CJIS Security Policy (Security Addendum) and incorporates security controls that help agencies meet CJIS security requirements.
Does SmartCOP support AWS GovCloud?
Yes. SmartCOP can be deployed within AWS GovCloud (US), providing agencies with FedRAMP High authorized infrastructure, U.S.-only data residency, and support for CJIS-aligned security requirements.
Does SmartCOP require multi-factor authentication?
Yes. SmartCOP supports multi-factor authentication (MFA) using time-based one-time passwords and also offers SmartAuth for secure mobile authentication without requiring a VPN.
How does SmartCOP protect agency data?
SmartCOP uses layered security including role-based access control, encryption, audit logging, endpoint protection, vulnerability scanning, continuous monitoring, and secure deployment options to help protect sensitive agency information.
Connect with our team to see how we can protect your data.
