$1.25m for Criminal Justice Infrastructure Modernization

The CNMI Criminal Justice Planning Agency has been awarded $1,250,000 in Consolidated National Criminal History Improvement Program funds, DOJ’s Office of Justice Programs announced Friday. CJPA will use the funds to advance Phase II of its Criminal Justice Information System modernization project. This effort will create the Commonwealth’s first centralized, cloud‑based CJIS network, enabling real‑time information sharing among law enforcement, courts, corrections, the Attorney General’s Office, Customs, and federal partners including the FBI. Funding will support personnel, training, equipment, and new technology deployment. The upgraded system will integrate local records and jail management systems and connect to key FBI databases to improve reporting of criminal dispositions, warrants, protection orders, and firearm‑prohibiting records. Once completed, the network will enhance public safety and interagency coordination across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. Congratulations, CJPA.