SEARCH’s 2026 Winter Membership Group Meeting brought together over 100 attendees from 43 states, convening in person in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Held from February 3-5, the meeting featured a dynamic lineup of speakers from state and federal agencies, national organizations, and private industry. The event opened with a welcoming address from Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott, Jr., setting the stage for engaging presentations and insightful discussions.
As SEARCH’s governing body, the Membership Group meets twice per year to discuss, analyze, and strategize on critical policy, operational, and technical issues affecting the criminal justice system. These meetings encourage and promote collaboration among federal and state partners, industry experts, and SEARCH Members. They encourage discussions around ideas about new programs, services, and emerging trends, while also offering a platform to address state-level challenges and needs.
2026 Winter Meeting Resources
Here is a brief recap of the 2026 Winter Membership Group Meeting:
Tuesday, Feb. 3
- Welcome & Call to Order:Â The meeting opened with ceremonial honors and remarks from SEARCH leadership and the Mayor of Little Rock.
- Executive Director Welcome:Â SEARCH leadership outlined meeting expectations and priorities for the next three days.
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SEARCH Business Meeting:Â Members conducted roll call, reviewed prior minutes, and discussed the strategic direction for SEARCH in 2026 and beyond.
- Member Roundtable 1 – State Spotlights: Members highlighted recent operational improvements and innovations from their states.
- Diamond Sponsor Address:Â Tailored Solutions provided a brief update on their offerings and partnership with SEARCH.
- Cybercrime & Digital Forensics:Â Presenters showcased how SEARCH is expanding investigative capacity through digital forensics support and training.
- Artificial Intelligence in Criminal Justice:Â Speakers discussed preparing for AI adoption while ensuring privacy, equity, transparency, and data integrity.
- Breakout – NODS / Digital Forensics Tools / Data Visualizations: Attendees explored court data standards, hands‑on digital forensic tools, and current SEARCH data visualization projects.
- Networking Reception:Â The day was capped off with Members, staff, speakers, and sponsors connected informally to exchange ideas.
Wednesday, Feb. 4
- Government Affairs Update:Â Presenters briefed members on the new Administration and congressional activity affecting state justice systems.
- Biometrics & Livescan Panel:Â Speakers shared lessons learned from statewide biometric modernization and Livescan deployments.
- FBI CJIS Updates:Â FBI officials delivered updates on NICS changes, BSCA implementation, XML rap sheets, CSO structures, and CJIS policy developments.
- Closing the Loop – Rapid DNA: The session examined gaps in DNA collection and how Rapid DNA booking stations and record flags can improve compliance.
- Breakout – Digital Forensics / Clean Slate / Data in Motion: Participants engaged in sessions on digital forensic tools, Clean Slate implementation, and end‑to‑end criminal justice data exchanges.
Thursday, Feb. 5
- 2024 Survey of State CCH Systems:Â SEARCH presented national findings on criminal history record completeness, quality, and repository practices.
- BJS Briefing:Â BJS leaders discussed their strategic priorities and investments in core national data programs.
- NCHIP Technical Assistance Overview: SEARCH highlighted examples of no‑cost NCHIP assistance available to states.
- Member Roundtable 2:Â Members discussed automated sealing, firearms background check changes, and other emerging policy and operational issues.
- Conclusion & Adjournment:Â SEARCH leadership closed the meeting with a look ahead to upcoming 2026 activities.
SEARCH thanks our Sponsors of the 2026 Winter Membership Group Meeting
Photos from the 2026 Winter Meeting
The SEARCH Membership Group, the governing body of SEARCH, is comprised of one gubernatorial appointee from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the territories, as well as eight at-large appointees selected by SEARCH’s Chair. This national body of state-level professionals is widely representative of the various disciplines within the justice system, and many are responsible for operational decisions and policymaking concerning the management of criminal justice.
