An Garda Síochána Policy Document : Schengen Information System (SIS)

Abstract

Schengen Convention and Acquis, 1985 provided for, inter alia, the abolition of internal border controls between States participating in the Schengen Information System. The Schengen Information System (SIS) is the most widely used and largest information sharing system for security and border management in Europe. This pan-European database passes real-time information between the Schengen Area Members States in the form of “Alerts” relating to people and property (objects and vehicles), and is accessible by law enforcement agencies through their national applications (e.g. PULSE). The main purpose of SIS is to make Europe safer. The system assists the competent authorities in Europe to preserve internal security in the absence of internal border checks.