The Schengen Information System (SIS) plays a critical role in safeguarding the Schengen Area by enabling the exchange of vital information between Schengen countries. SIS contains alerts related to people or objects that fall under specific alert categories, ensuring that authorities can take appropriate actions when necessary. It helps combat crime, track missing persons, and monitor objects that may be linked to criminal activities, enhancing the safety and security within the Schengen Area.
Categories of Alerts in SIS
SIS only holds information on specific categories of alerts, including:
- Return Decisions: SIS alerts regarding third-country nationals who are subject to return decisions issued by Schengen countries.
- Refusal of Entry or Stay: These alerts pertain to third-country nationals who do not have permission to enter or remain in the Schengen Area.
- Persons Wanted for Arrest: Individuals wanted for arrest under a European Arrest Warrant (EAW) or extradition requests from Switzerland and Liechtenstein are tracked through this alert system.
- Missing Persons: Alerts are used to locate missing individuals, including children, and to place them under protection when necessary.
- Children at Risk of Abduction: SIS alerts prevent children from being abducted by parents, relatives, or guardians and ensure their safety.
- Vulnerable Persons: SIS flags vulnerable individuals, such as those at risk of being taken abroad unlawfully, and ensures their travel is restricted unless authorized.
- Persons Sought for Judicial Procedures: These alerts help authorities locate individuals required for criminal judicial processes, such as witnesses.
- Persons and Objects for Discreet or Inquiry Checks: This category allows authorities to collect information on individuals or objects for the purposes of prosecuting criminal offenses or preventing threats to public and national security.
- Unknown Wanted Persons: This category stores biometric data such as fingermarks or palmmarks found at crime scenes, aiding in the identification of perpetrators of serious crimes or terrorist activities.
- Objects for Seizure or Evidence: SIS monitors objects, including vehicles, travel documents, number plates, and industrial equipment, that are required for seizure or as evidence in criminal procedures.
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Data Entered in SIS: People and Objects
The SIS database holds various types of data on both individuals and objects. In relation to people, the system contains:
– Identification Data: Basic details required to identify individuals and relevant information for officers performing searches.
– Alert Reason: A structured explanation of why the alert has been issued.
– Required Action: Instructions on what action to take once the individual is located.
– Criminal Proceedings Information: This includes European Arrest Warrants (EAW) and information about victims of identity misuse.
– Photographs: Photos of the individual are stored to aid in identification.
– Fingerprints and Palm Prints: Dactyloscopic data (fingerprints and palm prints) are used for identity verification.
– DNA Profiles: For missing persons or their family members, DNA profiles can be added to confirm identities.
– Identification Documents: SIS stores information on identification documents related to the person under alert.
– Objects Linked to Persons: Data on objects associated with a person (such as vehicles) may be added to help locate them.
For objects, SIS includes:
– Identification Data: Information needed to identify the object in question.
– Alert Reason: A structured explanation of why the object is under alert.
– Required Action: Instructions on what to do when the object is found.
– Images: Photographs or images of the object to help in identification.
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Quality and Accuracy of SIS Data
The quality and completeness of data entered into SIS are critical for the success of the system. To avoid misidentification and ensure correct actions are taken, the data must be as accurate as possible. For people, the minimum required data includes the person’s name, year of birth, a reference to the decision that triggered the alert, and the action required. When available, photographs and fingerprints are added to aid in identification and to prevent errors.
SIS also allows linking of alerts between persons and objects, such as between a person and a vehicle they are associated with.
The Role of Biometrics in SIS
Since 2013, SIS has stored fingerprints for confirming identities, and in 2018, the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) was introduced. AFIS enables authorities to identify individuals based solely on their fingerprints. This is especially useful in cases where individuals attempt to use forged or counterfeit documents. As of March 2023, SIS has also been able to store palm prints, fingermarks, and DNA profiles for biometric searches, further enhancing the ability to confirm identities accurately.
The inclusion of biometric data, such as DNA profiles for missing persons and their family members, is an additional tool used to confirm identities. This is crucial in cases involving vulnerable individuals or those involved in criminal activities.