The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) recently identified minor security gaps in the Internet security procedures of the Belfast Police Department during a fall audit. Local officials acknowledged the need to address these issues over the next few years.
The department was chosen randomly for the review, which concentrated on the use of the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database. This database is crucial for local departments to access national records on past violations, bail conditions, protection orders, or outstanding warrants from other states.
According to Police Chief Jeffrey Trafton, the database has significantly improved law enforcement processes, providing officers with instant access to mug shots and criminal records. "I don't understand the connectivity, but it works," Trafton said. "I can go in here, run a license, and it's immediate. Within a few minutes of seeing a stranger from Minnesota, I can be on the phone with the police department in that town. If it's a small town, they probably know him."
Trafton is currently reviewing the audit results, which include recommendations such as more frequent password changes. He admitted some unfamiliarity with the technical aspects, as his computers connect to the state system through the Waldo County Regional Communication Center, managed by the county.
Waldo County's technology consultant, James Arseneau, stated the department has several years to upgrade its systems. The primary issue involves adding a third authentication factor for individual users. "Something you physically have," Arseneau explained. "You have your username and password, but you also need this other piece."
Arseneau suggested options like a key fob generating a random number that matches the system, a card inserted into the computer like a key, or a biometric fingerprint identification system. The county is still researching these options and has not yet determined the cost of compliance.
"In reality, there aren't many counties that have this kind of thing yet," Arseneau noted.
Chief Trafton mentioned that the Belfast Police Department undergoes a similar audit by the Maine State Police annually. However, this was the first FBI audit during his six-year tenure. Trafton anticipates the need for new equipment in the next budget cycle to comply with the review, including several computers for police cruisers, costing around $600 each.
"We're participating in the process to stay up-to-date. Technology is always changing, so we have to keep up with it," he stated.
