Schengentietojärjestelmä

The Schengen Information System, or SIS, is a large-scale IT system that supports security within the Schengen Area. It allows national border guards, customs officers, and police to access information on persons and objects. The SIS is a crucial tool for maintaining internal security and facilitating the free movement of people within the Schengen Area, which comprises most of the European Union countries plus some non-EU countries like Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.

The system allows authorized personnel in participating countries to enter and search for alerts. These alerts can relate to persons who are wanted by the police, persons who are missing, or stolen vehicles and other property. When an alert is entered, it is visible to all other authorized users in the Schengen network. This enables checks at borders, during police operations, and in other situations where such information is relevant.

The SIS is divided into two main parts. SIRENE (Supplementary Information, Relevant Electronic exchange) is a crucial component that ensures the proper functioning of the SIS and complements the automated searches. SIRENE Bureaux are located in each participating country and are responsible for managing the information exchange and ensuring that alerts are handled correctly and in accordance with legal procedures. The continuous development and updates of the SIS are essential for its effectiveness in enhancing security and cooperation among Schengen member states.