HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"EN
15.7.2011 Official
Journal
of
the
European
Union L
186/1
II
(Non-legislative acts)
DECISIONS
COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DECISION
of 1 July 2011
amending the SIRENE Manual
(notified under document C(2011) 4574)
(Only the Bulgarian, Czech, Dutch, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Latvian,
Lithuanian, Maltese, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish and Swedish texts are authentic)
(2011/406/EU)
THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,
exchange between SIRENE bureaux. Given the extent of
the necessary amendments to the provisions of the
SIRENE Manual it is appropriate to replace the current
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European
text of the SIRENE Manual with a revised version.
Union,
Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 378/2004 of
(3) Provisions
on
the
protection
of
personal
data
and
19 February 2004 on procedures for amending the SIRENE
security of data in the Schengen Information System
Manual ( 1 ), and in particular Article 2 thereof,
are set out in the Schengen Convention. In the absence
of specific provisions of the Convention, Directive
95/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the
Having regard to Council Decision 2004/201/JHA of
Council of 24 October 1995 on the protection of indi
19 February 2004 on procedures for amending the SIRENE
viduals with regard to the processing of personal data
Manual ( 2 ), and in particular Article 2 thereof,
and on the free movement of such data ( 4 ) is applicable
to the exchange of supplementary information relating to
alerts for refusal of entry. In the absence of specific
Whereas:
provisions of the Convention, Council Framework
Decision 2008/977/JHA of 27 November 2008 on the
protection of personal data processed in the framework
(1) The
SIRENE
Manual
constitutes
a
set
of
instructions
to
of police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters ( 5 )
operators in the SIRENE bureaux of each Member State
applies to the exchange of supplementary information
which establishes the rules and procedures governing the
relating to all other alerts.
bilateral or multilateral exchange of supplementary
information which is required to implement correctly
certain provisions of the Convention of 1990 imple
menting the Schengen Agreement of 14 June 1985 on
(4) In
accordance
with
Articles
1
and
2
of
the
former
the gradual abolition of checks at common borders ( 3 )
Protocol on the position of Denmark, annexed to the
(the Schengen Convention).
Treaty on European Union and the Treaty establishing
the European Community, Denmark did not take part in
the adoption of Regulation (EC) No 378/2004 and is not
(2)
Standards of working procedures of the SIRENE bureaux
bound by it nor subject to its application. However,
and the Union law relevant to the supplementary
given that Regulation (EC) No 378/2004 built upon
information exchange between SIRENE bureaux have
the Schengen acquis under the provisions of Title IV of
developed over time. The SIRENE Manual has not been
Part Three of the former Treaty establishing the European
amended since 2007. As a result, amendments are now
Community, Denmark, in accordance with Article 5 of
required in order to guarantee uniformity of working
the said Protocol, decided to implement this acquis in its
procedures and ensure alignment with developments of
national law. Denmark took part in the adoption of
the Union law relevant to the supplementary information
Decision 2004/201/JHA. It is therefore bound to
implement this Decision.
( 1 ) OJ L 64, 2.3.2004, p. 5.
( 2 ) OJ L 64, 2.3.2004, p. 45.
( 4 ) OJ L 281, 23.11.1995, p. 31.
( 3 ) OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 19.
( 5 ) OJ L 350, 30.12.2008, p. 60.

---

L 186/2
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
15.7.2011
(5) The
United
Kingdom
is
taking
part
in
this
Decision
to
point G, of Decision 1999/437/EC read in conjunction
the extent it does not concern supplementary
with Article 3 of Council Decisions 2008/146/EC ( 6 ) and
information exchange in relation to Article 96 of the
2008/149/JHA ( 7 ).
Schengen Convention, in accordance with Article 5 of
the Protocol on the Schengen acquis integrated into the
(10) As regards
Liechtenstein, this Decision constitutes a
framework of the European Union annexed to the Treaty
development of provisions of the Schengen acquis
on European Union and the Treaty on the Functioning of
within the meaning of the Protocol signed between the
the European Union, and Article 8(2) of Council Decision
European Union, the European Community, the Swiss
2000/365/EC of 29 May 2000 concerning the request of
Confederation and the Principality of Liechtenstein on
the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern
the accession of the Principality of Liechtenstein to the
Ireland to take part in some of the provisions of the
Agreement between the European Union, the European
Schengen acquis ( 1 ).
Community and the Swiss Confederation on the Swiss
Confederation’s association with the implementation,
application and development of the Schengen acquis,
(6) Ireland
is
taking
part
in
this
Decision
to
the
extent
it
which fall within the area referred to in Article 1,
does not concern supplementary information exchange
point G, of Decision 1999/437/EC read in conjunction
in relation to Article 96 of the Schengen Convention,
with Article 3 of Council Decisions 2008/261/EC ( 8 ) and
in accordance with Article 5 of the Protocol on the
2008/262/JHA ( 9 ).
Schengen acquis integrated into the framework of the
European Union annexed to the Treaty on European
(11) The
measures provided for in this Decision are in
Union and the Treaty on the Functioning of the
accordance with the opinion of the Committee set up
European Union, and Article 6(2) of Council Decision
by Article 3 of Regulation (EC) No 378/2004 and
2002/192/EC of 28 February 2002 concerning Ireland’s
Article 3 of Decision 2004/201/JHA,
request to take part in some of the provisions of the
acquis ( 2 ).
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
(7) This
Decision
constitutes
an
act
building
on
the
Article 1
Schengen acquis or otherwise related to it within the
The SIRENE Manual is replaced by the version in the Annex to
meaning of Article 3(2) of the 2003 Act of Accession
this Decision.
and Article 4(2) of the 2005 Act of Accession.
Article 2
(8) As
regards
Iceland
and
Norway,
this
Decision
constitutes This Decision is addressed to the Kingdom of Belgium, the
a development of provisions of the Schengen acquis
Republic of Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, the Federal Republic
within the meaning of the Agreement concluded by the
of Germany, the Republic of Estonia, Ireland, the Hellenic
Council of the European Union and the Republic of
Republic, the Kingdom of Spain, the French Republic, the
Iceland and the Kingdom of Norway concerning the
Italian Republic, the Republic of Cyprus, the Republic of
latters’ association with the implementation, application
Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania, the Grand Duchy of
and development of the Schengen acquis (
Luxembourg, the Republic of Hungary, the Republic of Malta,

3 ) which fall
within the area referred to in Article 1, point G, of
the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Republic of Austria, the
Council Decision 1999/437/EC
(
Republic of Poland, the Portuguese Republic, Romania, the

4 ) on certain
arrangements for the application of that Agreement.
Republic of Slovenia, the Slovak Republic, the Republic of
Finland, the Kingdom of Sweden and the United Kingdom of
Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
(9) As
regards
Switzerland,
this
Decision
constitutes
a
devel
opment of provisions of the Schengen acquis within the
meaning of the Agreement concluded between the
Done at Brussels, 1 July 2011.
European Union, the European Community and the
Swiss Confederation concerning the association of the
For the Commission
Swiss Confederation with the implementation, appli
cation and development of the Schengen acquis (
Cecilia MALMSTRM

5 ),
which fall within the area referred to in Article 1,
Member of the Commission
( 1 ) OJ L 131, 1.6.2000, p. 43.
( 2 ) OJ L 64, 7.3.2002, p. 20.
( 6 ) OJ L 53, 27.2.2008, p. 1.
( 3 ) OJ L 176, 10.7.1999, p. 36.
( 7 ) OJ L 53, 27.2.2008, p. 50.
( 4 ) OJ L 176, 10.7.1999, p. 31.
( 8 ) OJ L 83, 26.3.2008, p. 3.
( 5 ) OJ L 53, 27.2.2008, p. 52.
( 9 ) OJ L 83, 26.3.2008, p. 5.

---

EN
15.7.2011 Official
Journal
of
the
European
Union L
186/3
ANNEX
SIRENE MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
1.
THE SCHENGEN INFORMATION SYSTEM (SIS) AND THE NATIONAL SIRENE BUREAUX . . . . . . . . .
9
1.1.
The SIRENE bureaux . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9
1.2.
SIRENE Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
1.3.
Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
1.3.1.
Availability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
1.3.2.
Continuity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
1.3.3.
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
1.3.4.
Accessibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
1.3.5.
Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
1.3.6.
Transliteration rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
1.3.7.
Data quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
1.3.8.
Structures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
1.3.9.
Archiving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
1.4.
Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
1.4.1.
Knowledge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
1.4.2.
Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
1.4.3.
Exchange of staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
1.5.
Technical infrastructure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
1.5.1.
SIRENE work-flow system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
1.5.2.
Automatic introduction of data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
1.5.3.
Automatic deletion of data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
1.5.4.
Data Exchange between SIRENE bureaux . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
1.5.5.
Data quality in the SIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
2.
GENERAL PROCEDURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
2.1.
Multiple alerts (Article 107) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
2.1.1.
Compatibility of alerts and order of priority . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
2.1.2.
Checking for multiple alerts on a person . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
2.1.3.
Negotiating the entry of a new alert if this is incompatible with an existing alert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
2.2.
The exchange of information after a hit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

---

L 186/4
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
15.7.2011
2.2.1.
Procedures following a hit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
2.2.2.
Communicating further information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
2.3.
When the procedures following a hit cannot be followed (Article 104(3)) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
2.4.
If the original purpose of the alert is altered (Article 102(3)) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
2.5.
Data found to be legally or factually inaccurate (Article 106) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
2.6.
The right to access and rectify data (Articles 109 and 110) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
2.6.1.
The exchange of information regarding the right to access or rectify data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
2.6.2. Information
on
requests
for
access
to,
or
correction
or
deletion
of
alerts
issued
by
other
Member
States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
2.6.3.
Information on access and rectification procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
2.7.
Deletion of an alert when the conditions for maintaining it cease to be met . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
2.8.
Misused Identity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
2.9.
Entering an alias . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
2.10.
SIRPIT (SIRENE Picture Transfer) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
2.10.1. Development and background of SIRPIT (SIRENE Picture Transfer) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
2.10.2. Use of the data exchanged, including archiving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
2.10.3. Technical requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
2.10.4. The national identification service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
2.10.5. Use
of
the
SIRENE L form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
2.10.6. SIRPIT procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
2.10.6.1. The discovering SIRENE bureau makes the comparison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
2.10.6.2. The providing SIRENE bureau makes the comparison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
2.10.6.3. Input screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
2.11.
Role of the SIRENE bureaux in police cooperation in the European Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
2.12.
Relations between SIRENE and Interpol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
2.12.1. Priority of SIS alerts over Interpol alerts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
2.12.2. Choice of communication channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
2.12.3. Use and distribution of Interpol diffusions and notices in Schengen states . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
2.12.4. Sending information to third countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
2.12.5. Hit and deletion of an alert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
2.12.6. Improvement of cooperation between the SIRENE bureaux and the Interpol NCBs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
2.13.
Cooperation with EUROPOL and EUROJUST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
2.14.
Special types of search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

---

EN
15.7.2011 Official
Journal
of
the
European
Union L
186/5
2.14.1. Geographically targeted search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
2.14.2. Search with participation of special police units for targeted search (FAST) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
2.15.
Flagging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
2.15.1. Consulting the Member States with a view to adding a flag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
2.15.2. A request for deletion of a flag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
2.16.
Indication of urgency in SIRENE forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
3.
ALERTS PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 95 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
3.1.
Member State checks prior to issuing the alert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
3.2.
Checking whether the national law of the Member States authorises arrest with a view to surrender or
extradition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
3.3.
Multiple alerts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
3.3.1.
Check for multiple alerts (Article 107) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
3.3.2.
Exchange of information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
3.4.
Supplementary information to be sent to Member States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
3.4.1.
Supplementary information to be sent with regards to an EAW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
3.4.2.
Supplementary Information to be sent with regards to provisional arrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
3.4.3.
Entering an alias . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
3.4.4.
Further Information to establish a person’s identity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
3.4.5. Sending
the A and M forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
3.5.
Flagging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
3.5.1.
Systematic request for a flag to be added to alerts on persons wanted for arrest for extradition purposes
where Council Framework Decision 2002/584/JHA on the European arrest warrant and the surrender
procedures between Member States does not apply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
3.6.
Action by SIRENE bureaux upon receipt of an Article 95 alert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
3.7.
The exchange of information after a hit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
3.7.1.
Informing the Member States if an alert is matched . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
3.7.2.
Communicating further information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
3.7.3.
Following a hit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
3.7.4.
Supplementary information exchange about surrender or extradition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
3.8.
Deletion of an alert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
3.8.1.
Deleting when the conditions for maintaining the alert cease to be met . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
3.9.
Misused identity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

---

L 186/6
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
15.7.2011
4.
ALERTS PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 96 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
4.1.
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
4.2.
Entry of alerts pursuant to Article 96 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
4.3.
Entering an alias . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
4.4.
Misused Identity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
4.5.
Types of SIRENE procedures to be followed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
4.6.
Exchange of information following a hit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
4.6.1.
Exchange of information when refusing entry or expelling from the Schengen territory . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
4.6.2.
Exchange of information when issuing residence permits or visas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
4.6.3.
Special procedures as provided for in Article 25 of the Schengen Convention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
4.6.3.1. Procedure under Article 25(1) of the Schengen Convention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
4.6.3.2. Procedure under Article 25(2) of the Schengen Convention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
4.6.4.
Special procedures as provided for in Article 5(4) of the Schengen Borders Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
4.6.4.1. Procedure in cases falling under Article 5(4)(a) of the Schengen Borders Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
4.6.4.2. Procedure in cases falling under Article 5(4)(c) of the Schengen Borders Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
4.7.
Exchange of information on a third-country national who is a beneficiary of the right of free
movement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
4.7.1.
Exchange of information following a hit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
4.7.2.
Exchange of information if, in the absence of a hit, a Member State discovers that there is an alert for
refusal of entry for a third-country national who is a beneficiary of the right of free movement . . . . . 33
4.8.
Deletion of alerts entered for EU citizens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
4.9.
Informing the Schengen Member States if an alert is matched . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
5.
ALERTS PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 97 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
5.1.
Flagging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
5.2.
Provision of descriptive detail on missing minors and other persons assessed as being at risk . . . . . . . 33
5.3.
After a hit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
6.
ALERTS PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 98 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
6.1.
After a hit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
7.
ALERTS PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 99 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
7.1.
Entering an alias . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
7.2. Informing
other
Member
States
when
issuing
alerts
requested
by
authorities
responsible
for
national
security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

---

EN
15.7.2011 Official
Journal
of
the
European
Union L
186/7
7.3.
Flagging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
7.4.
Communicating further information following a hit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
8.
ALERTS PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 100 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
8.1.
Vehicle alerts pursuant to Article 100 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
8.1.1.
Checking for multiple alerts on a vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
8.1.2.
VIN Twins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
8.2.
Communicating further information following a hit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
9.
STATISTICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

---

L 186/8
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
15.7.2011
INTRODUCTION
On 14 June 1985, the Governments of the Kingdom of Belgium, the Federal Republic of Germany, the French Republic,
the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and the Kingdom of the Netherlands signed an agreement at Schengen, a small town in
Luxembourg, with a view to enabling ‘(…) all nationals of the Member States to cross internal borders freely (…)’ and to
enable the ‘free circulation of goods and services’.
The five founding countries signed the Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement ( 1 ) on 19 June 1990, and were
later joined by the Italian Republic on 27 November 1990, the Kingdom of Spain and the Portuguese Republic on
25 June 1991, the Hellenic Republic on 6 November 1992, the Republic of Austria on 28 April 1995 and by the
Kingdom of Denmark, the Kingdom of Sweden and the Republic of Finland on 19 December 1996.
The Kingdom of Norway and the Republic of Iceland also concluded a Cooperation Agreement with the Member States
on 19 December 1996, in order to join this Convention.
Subsequently, as of 26 March 1995, the Schengen acquis was fully applied in Belgium, Germany, France, Luxembourg,
Netherlands, Spain and Portugal ( 2 ). As of 31 of March 1998, in Austria and Italy ( 3 ); as of 26 of March 2000 in
Greece ( 4 ) and finally, as of 25 March 2001, the Schengen acquis was applicable in full in Norway, Iceland, Sweden,
Denmark and Finland ( 5 ).
The United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland only take part in some of the provisions of the Schengen Acquis, in accordance
with Council Decision 2000/365/EC ( 6 ) and Council Decision 2002/192/EC ( 7 ) respectively.
In the case of the UK, the provisions of the Schengen acquis in which the United Kingdom takes part are applicable as of
the 1 January 2005 ( 8 ), with the exception of the provisions on the Schengen Information System.
The Schengen acquis was incorporated into the legal framework of the European Union by means of protocols attached to
the Treaty of Amsterdam ( 9 ) in 1999. A Council Decision was adopted on 12 May 1999, determining the legal basis for
each of the provisions or decisions which constitute the Schengen acquis, in conformity with the relevant provisions of the
Treaty establishing the European Community and the Treaty on European Union.
From 1 May 2004, the Schengen acquis, as integrated into the framework of the European Union by the Protocol annexed
to the Treaty on European Union and to the Treaty establishing the European Community (hereinafter referred to as the
‘Schengen Protocol’), as well as the acts building upon it or otherwise related to it are binding on the Czech Republic, the
Republic of Estonia, the Republic of Cyprus, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania, the Republic of Hungary,
the Republic of Malta, the Republic of Poland, the Republic of Slovenia and the Slovak Republic. As of 1 January 2007,
this also applies to the Republic of Bulgaria and to Romania.
In December 2007, the Council adopted a Decision on the full application of the provisions of the Schengen acquis in the
Czech Republic, the Republic of Estonia, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania, the Republic of Hungary, the
Republic of Malta, the Republic of Poland, the Republic of Slovenia and the Slovak Republic ( 10 ). Accordingly, controls at
internal land and sea borders of these Member States were lifted in December 2007 and at internal air borders in March
2008.
As regards the Republic of Bulgaria and Romania, Council Decision 2010/365/EU ( 11 ) allows for real SIS data to be
transferred to the Member States concerned. The concrete use of this data allows the Council, through the applicable
Schengen evaluation procedures, as set out in SCH/Com-ex (98) 26 def., to verify the correct application of the provisions
of the Schengen acquis relating to the SIS in the Member States concerned. Once these evaluations have been carried out,
the Council should decide on the lifting of checks at the internal borders with those Member States.
( 1 ) OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 19.
( 2 ) Decision of the Executive Committee of 22 December 1994 on bringing into force the Implementing Convention (SCH/Com-ex
(94)29 rev. 2. (OJ L 239, 22.9.2000, p. 130).
( 3 ) Decisions of the Executive Committee of 7 October 1997 (SCH/com-ex 97(27) rev. 4) for Italy and (SCH/com-ex 97(28) rev. 4) for
Austria.
( 4 ) Council Decision 1999/848/EC of 13 December 1999 on the full application of the Schengen acquis in Greece (OJ L 327,
21.12.1999, p. 58).
( 5 ) Council Decision 2000/777/EC of 1 December 2000 on the application of the Schengen acquis in Denmark, Finland and Sweden, and
in Iceland and Norway (OJ L 309, 9.12.2000, p. 24).
( 6 ) Council Decision 2000/365/EC of 29 May 2000 concerning the request of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
to take part in some of the provision of the Schengen Acquis (OJ L 131, 1.6.2000, p. 43).
( 7 ) Council Decision 2002/192/EC of 28 February 2002 concerning Ireland’s request to take part in some of the provision of the
Schengen Acquis (OJ L 64, 7.3.2002, p. 20).
( 8 ) Council Decision 2004/926/EC of 22 December 2004 on putting into effect of parts of the Schengen acquis by the United Kingdom
of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (OJ L 395, 31.12.2004, p. 70).
( 9 ) OJ C 340, 10.11.1997, p. 92.
( 10 ) OJ L 323, 8.12.2007, p. 34.
( 11 ) OJ L 166, 1.7.2010, p. 17.

---

EN
15.7.2011 Official
Journal
of
the
European
Union L
186/9
As regards Switzerland, an Agreement was concluded by the European Union, the European Community and the Swiss
Confederation on the latter’s association with the implementation, application and development of the Schengen
acquis ( 12 ). Controls at internal land borders of Switzerland were lifted in December 2008 and at internal air borders
in March 2009, in accordance with the relevant decision of the Council ( 13 ).
As regards Liechtenstein, a Protocol was signed between the European Union, the European Community, the Swiss
Confederation and the Principality of Liechtenstein on the accession of the Principality of Liechtenstein to the
Agreement between the European Union, the European Community and the Swiss Confederation on the Swiss Confed
eration’s association with the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acquis ( 14 ).
1. THE
SCHENGEN
INFORMATION
SYSTEM
(SIS)
AND
THE
NATIONAL
SIRENE
BUREAUX
The SIS, together with the cooperation of the SIRENE bureaux, set up pursuant to the provisions of Title IV of
the Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement of 14 June 1985 on the gradual abolition of checks at
common borders (Schengen Convention) ( 15 ) constitutes an essential tool for the application of the provisions
of the Schengen acquis as integrated into the framework of the European Union.
The Schengen Information System (SIS) shall provide access to alerts on persons and objects to the following
authorities:
(a) authorities responsible for border checks;
(b) authorities carrying out and coordinating other police and customs checks within the country;
(c) national judicial authorities, inter alia, those responsible for the initiation of public prosecutions in criminal
proceedings and judicial inquiries prior to indictment, in the performance of their tasks, as set out in
national legislation;
(d) authorities responsible for issuing visas, the central authorities responsible for examining visa applications,
authorities responsible for issuing residence permits and for the administration of legislation on third-
country nationals in the context of the application of the Union acquis relating to the movement of persons;
(e) authorities responsible for issuing vehicle registration certificates.
Europol and Eurojust also have access to certain categories of alerts ( 16 ). Europol may access data entered in
accordance with Article 95 (alerts for arrest), Article 99 (alerts for discreet surveillance or specific check) and
Article 100 (alerts on objects for seizure or use as evidence in criminal proceedings). Eurojust may access data
entered in accordance with Article 95 (alerts for arrest) and Article 98 (alerts for a judicial procedure).
The SIS is made up of separate components: the technical support function (C.SIS) and the national sections
(N.SIS, one for each Member State), connected by a network (SISNET). The SIS operates on the principle that
the national systems cannot exchange computerised data directly between themselves, but instead only via the
central system (C.SIS).
However, it is necessary for the Member States to be able to exchange supplementary information, either on a
bilateral or multilateral basis, as required for implementing certain provisions of the Schengen Convention, and
to ensure full application of Title IV of the Schengen Convention for the SIS as a whole.
1.1. The
SIRENE
bureaux ( 17 )
Article 92(4) of the Schengen Convention provides that Member States shall, in accordance with national
legislation, exchange through the authorities designated for that purpose (SIRENE), all information necessary in
connection with the entry of alerts and for allowing the appropriate action to be taken in cases where persons
in respect of whom, and objects in respect of which, data have been entered in the Schengen Information
System, are found as a result of searches made in this System.
To meet the operating constraints set out in the Schengen Convention, every Member State shall establish a
central authority as a single contact point for exchanging supplementary information related to SIS data. This
contact point, which is referred to as the SIRENE bureau, shall be fully operational on a 24/7 basis.
( 12 ) OJ L 53, 27.2.2008, p. 52.
( 13 ) OJ L 327, 5.12.2008, p. 15.
( 14 ) OJ L 83, 26.3.2008, p. 3.
( 15 ) See footnote 1.
( 16 ) As set out in Articles 101A and 101B of the Schengen Convention.
( 17 ) Unless otherwise stipulated, all articles referred to are to be understood as articles of the Convention of 1990, implementing the
Schengen Agreement of 14 June 1985 on the gradual abolition of checks at common borders (Schengen Convention). Article 92(4)
took effect according to Article 1(1) of Council Decision 2005/451/JHA (OJ L 158, 21.6.2005, p. 26) and Article 2(1) of Council
Decision 2005/211/JHA (OJ L 68, 15.3.2005, p. 44).

---

L 186/10
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
15.7.2011
1.2. SIRENE
Manual
The SIRENE Manual is a set of instructions for SIRENE bureaux, which describes in detail the rules and
procedures governing the bilateral or multilateral exchange of the supplementary information.
1.3. Standards
The following fundamental standards that underpin the cooperation via SIRENE shall be met:
1.3.1. Availability
A National SIRENE bureau shall be set up by each of the Member States to serve as a single contact point for
the Member States applying the SIS-related provisions of the Schengen Convention. It shall be fully operational
with sufficient capacity 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Availability for technical analysis, support and solutions
shall also be provided with sufficient capacity 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
1.3.2. Continuity
Each SIRENE bureau shall build an internal structure, which guarantees the continuity of management, staff and
technical infrastructure. Member States shall take appropriate measures to avoid loss of qualification and
experience caused by staff turnover.
The Heads of each SIRENE bureau shall meet at least twice a year to assess the quality of the cooperation
between their services, to adopt necessary technical or organisational measures in the event of any difficulties
and to adjust procedures where required.
1.3.3. Security
S e c u r i t y o n p r e m i s e s
Physical and organisational security features are necessary to protect the SIRENE bureau premises. The specific
measures will be determined by and be dependant on the results of threat assessments that shall be carried out
by each Schengen State. Recommendations and best practices laid down in the EU Schengen Catalogue:
Schengen Information System, SIRENE, should be reflected in practice ( 18 ).
The specific features may differ as they shall answer to threats in the immediate surroundings and exact
location of the SIRENE bureau. They may include, in particular:
— external windows fitted with security glass,
— secured and closed doors,
— brick/concrete walls enclosing the SIRENE bureau,
— closed-circuit television (CCTV), intrusion alarms, including logging of entries, exits and any unusual event,
— security guards on site or rapidly available,
— fire extinction system and/or direct link to fire brigade,
— dedicated premises to avoid staff who are not involved in international police cooperation measures, or who
do not have requisite access to documents from having to enter or to pass the SIRENE bureau offices,
and/or
— sufficient back-up power and communication supply.
S e c u r i t y o f t h e s y s t e m
The principles underlying the security of the system are set out in Article 118 of the Schengen Convention.
The SIRENE bureau system should have a back-up computer and data base system at a secondary site in case of
a serious emergency at the SIRENE bureau.
1.3.4. Accessibility
In order to fulfil the requirement to provide supplementary information, the SIRENE staff shall have direct or
indirect access to all relevant national information and expert advice.
( 18 ) Detailed guidance on IT security measures is provided in Section 5 of the revised EU Schengen Catalogue: Schengen Information
System, SIRENE.

---

EN
15.7.2011 Official
Journal
of
the
European
Union L
186/11
1.3.5. Communications
O p e r a t i o n a l
The specific channel to use for SIRENE communications is the communication infrastructure for the Schengen
environment (SISNET) ( 19 ). Only if this channel is not available, shall another, and given the circumstances the
most appropriate, means of communication be determined on a case-by-case basis, according to technical
possibilities and the security and quality requirements that the communication has to meet.
Written messages are divided into two categories: free text and standard forms. The latter shall respect the
instructions set out in Annex 5. The B ( 20 ), C ( 21 ) and D ( 22 ) forms shall not be used any longer and are removed
from Annex 5.
In order to achieve utmost efficiency in bilateral communication between SIRENE staff, a language familiar to
both parties shall be used.
The SIRENE bureau shall answer all requests for information made by the other Member States via their SIRENE
bureaux as soon as possible. In any event, a response shall be given within 12 hours. See also Section 2.16 on
indication of urgency in SIRENE forms.
Priorities in daily work shall be based on the type of the alert and the importance of the case.
N o n - o p e r a t i o n a l
The SIRENE bureau should use the dedicated SISNET e-mail address for the exchange of non-operational
information.
S I R E N E A d d r e s s B o o k ( S A B )
The contact details of the SIRENE bureaux and relevant information for mutual communication and coop
eration are collected and provided in the SIRENE Address Book (SAB). Each SIRENE bureau shall ensure that:
(a) information from the SAB is not disclosed to third parties;
(b) the SAB is known and used by the SIRENE operators;
(c) any update of the information listed in the SAB is provided without delay to the administrator of the SAB.
1.3.6. Transliteration
rules
Transliteration rules, which can be found in Annex 2, shall be followed in the communication between SIRENE
bureaux via SISNET.
1.3.7. Data
quality
It is the responsibility of each SIRENE bureau to perform the role of data quality assurance coordinator for the
information that is introduced in the SIS. To this end SIRENE bureaux shall have the necessary national
competence and capacity to perform this role, for which they are responsible pursuant to Article 92(4) and
Article 108. It is therefore necessary to have a national data quality audit, including a review of the rate of
alerts/hits and of data content.
National standards for training of end-users on data quality principles and practice should be established in
cooperation with the national SIRENE bureau. It is recommended that SIRENE bureaux be involved in the
training of all authorities entering alerts, stressing data quality and maximisation of the use of the SIS.
1.3.8. Structures
All national agencies, including SIRENE bureaux, responsible for international police cooperation shall be
organised in a structured fashion so as to prevent conflicts of competence and duplication of work.
( 19 ) See Council Decision 2000/265/EC of 27 March 2000 on the establishment of a financial regulation governing the budgetary aspects
of the management by the Deputy Secretary-General of the Council, of contracts concluded in his name, on behalf of certain Member
States, relating to the installation and the functioning of the communication infrastructure for the Schengen environment, ‘SISNET’
(OJ L 85, 6.4.2000, p. 12).
( 20 ) Information further to an alert regarding national security.
( 21 ) Checking for a double alert on the same person.
( 22 ) Checking for a double alert on the same vehicle.

---

L 186/12
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
15.7.2011
1.3.9. Archiving
(a) Each Member State shall determine the provisions for storing information.
(b) The SIRENE bureau of the Member State issuing the alert shall keep all the information on its own alerts
available to the other Member States.
(c) The archives of each SIRENE bureau shall allow swift access to the relevant information to meet the very
short deadlines for transmitting information.
(d) In accordance with Article 112A of the Schengen Convention, personal data, held in files by the SIRENE
Bureau as a result of exchanging information, shall be kept only for such time as may be required to achieve
the purposes for which they were supplied. They shall in any event be deleted at the latest 1 year after the
alert or alerts regarding the person or object concerned have been deleted from the SIS. However, data
relating to a particular alert which a Member State has issued or to an alert in connection with which action
has been taken on its territory may be stored for longer in accordance with national law.
(e) Supplementary information sent by the other Member States shall be stored according to national data
protection legislation in the recipient Member State. The provisions of Title VI of the Schengen Convention,
Framework Decision 2008/977/JHA and Directive 95/46/ECshall also apply, as appropriate.
(f) Information on misused identity shall be deleted after the deletion of the relevant alert.
1.4. Staff
1.4.1. Knowledge
SIRENE bureau staff shall have the linguistic skills covering as wide a range of languages as possible and on-
duty staff shall able to communicate with all SIRENE bureaux.
They shall have the necessary knowledge on:
— national and European legal aspects,
— their national law enforcement agencies, and
— national and European judiciary and immigration administration systems.
They need to have the authority to deal independently with any incoming case.
In case of special requests or (legal) expert advice, they should have the possibility to call upon the assistance of
their superiors and/or experts.
Operators on duty outside office hours shall have the same competence, knowledge and authority and have the
possibility to refer to experts available on-call.
Legal expertise to cover both normal and exceptional cases is required. Depending on the cases, this expertise
can be provided by any personnel with the necessary legal background or experts from the judicial authorities.
The responsible national recruiting authorities shall take all the above skills and knowledge into consideration
when recruiting new staff and, shall consequently, organise in-service training courses or sessions both at
national and European level.
A high level of experience of staff leads to a workforce able to function on their own initiative and thereby able
to handle cases efficiently. A low turnover of personnel is therefore propitious, which requires the unambiguous
support of management to enable this devolved responsibility.
1.4.2. Training
N a t i o n a l l e v e l
At national level, sufficient training shall ensure that staff meet the required standards laid down in this
Manual ( 23 ).
( 23 ) Staff shall receive, among other subjects, appropriate training about data security and data protection rules and shall be informed of
any relevant criminal penalties. Staff shall also be aware of the relevant national rules of professional secrecy or other equivalent
obligations of confidentiality which shall apply to all SIRENE personnel.

---

EN
15.7.2011 Official
Journal
of
the
European
Union L
186/13
E u r o p e a n l e v e l
Common training courses shall be organised at least once a year, to enhance cooperation between SIRENE
bureaux by allowing staff to meet colleagues from other SIRENE bureaux, to share information on national
working methods and to create a consistent and equivalent level of knowledge. Furthermore, these will make
staff aware of the importance of their work and the need for mutual solidarity in view of the common security
of Member States.
1.4.3. Exchange
of
staff
SIRENE bureaux may also consider the possibility of setting up staff exchanges with other SIRENE bureaux.
These exchanges are intended to help improve staff knowledge of working methods, to show how other
SIRENE bureaux are organised and to establish personal contacts with colleagues in other Member States.
1.5. Technical
infrastructure
1.5.1. SIRENE
work-flow
system
Each SIRENE bureau shall have a computerised management system (work-flow system), which allows a great
deal of automation in the management of the daily work-flow.
1.5.2. Automatic
introduction
of
data
Automatic transfer to N.SIS of the national alerts that fulfil the criteria for introduction into the SIS shall be the
preferred way to introduce SIS alerts. This automatic transfer, including data quality checks, should also be
transparent and not require additional action from the authority entering the alert.
1.5.3. Automatic
deletion
of
data
Where the national system enables the automatic transfer of national alerts to SIS, as set out in the previous
paragraph, the deletion of a SIS-related alert in the national database should also lead to an automatic deletion
of its SIS equivalent.
Since multiple alerts are not allowed, it is recommended that wherever possible and necessary, second and
subsequent alerts on the same person are kept available at national level so that they can be introduced when
the first alert on this person expires.
1.5.4. Data
Exchange
between
SIRENE
bureaux
The instructions laid down for data exchange between SIRENE bureaux shall be respected ( 24 ).
1.5.5. Data
quality
in
the
SIS
In order to allow each SIRENE bureau to perform its role of data quality assurance coordinator (see paragraph
1.3.7 above), the necessary IT support should be available.
2. GENERAL
PROCEDURES
The procedures described below are applicable to alerts issued under Articles 95 to 100 and the procedures
specific for each Article can be found in the relevant specific section.
2.1. Multiple
alerts
(Article
107)
Several alerts may be issued by different Member States for the same subjects. It is essential that this does not
cause confusion to end-users, and that they are clear as to the measures to be taken when seeking to enter an
alert. Various procedures shall therefore be established for detecting multiple alerts and a priority mechanism
shall also be established for entering them into the SIS.
This calls for:
— checks before entering an alert in order to determine whether the subject is already in the SIS,
— consultation with the other Member States when the entry of an alert will cause multiple alerts that are
incompatible.
( 24 ) Council Document 5076/07, version 5.6

---

L 186/14
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
15.7.2011
2.1.1.
Compatibility of alerts and order of priority
Only one alert per Member State may be entered into the SIS for any one person or object.
Therefore, wherever possible and necessary, second and subsequent alerts on the same person or object shall be
kept available at national level, so that they can be introduced when the first alert expires or is deleted.
Several Member States may enter an alert on the same person or object if the alerts are compatible.
Alerts for arrest (Article 95) are compatible with alerts for refusal of entry (Article 96), alerts on missing
persons (Article 97) and alerts for a judicial procedure (Article 98). They are not compatible with alerts for
discreet surveillance or specific checks (Article 99). In case of a hit on a person for whom an alert for arrest and
an alert for refusal of entry have been entered, the procedures for arrest shall have priority over those for refusal
of entry.
Alerts for refusal of entry are compatible with alerts for arrest. They are not compatible with alerts on
missing persons, alerts for a judicial procedure or alerts for discreet surveillance or specific checks.
Alerts on missing persons are compatible with alerts for arrest and alerts for a judicial procedure. They are
not compatible with alerts for refusal of entry and alerts for discreet surveillance or specific checks.
Alerts for a judicial procedure are compatible with alerts for arrest and alerts for missing persons. They are
not compatible with alerts for refusal of entry and alerts for discreet surveillance or specific checks.
Alerts for discreet surveillance or specific checks are not compatible with alerts for arrest, alerts for refusal
of entry, alerts on missing persons or alerts for a judicial procedure.
Within Article 99, alerts issued for discreet surveillance are incompatible with those for specific checks.
Different categories of alerts on objects are not compatible with each other (see the table on compatibility
below).
The order of priority for alerts on persons shall be as follows:
— arrest with a view to surrender or extradition (Article 95),
— refusal of entry or stay in the Schengen territory (Article 96),
— placing under protection (Article 97),
— discreet surveillance (Article 99),
— specific checks (Article 99),
— communicating whereabouts (Articles 97 and 98).
The order of priority for alerts on objects shall be as follows:
— discreet surveillance (Article 99),
— specific check (Article 99),
— seizure or use as evidence (Article 100),
Departures from this order of priority may be made after consultation between the Member States, if essential
national interests are at stake.
Table of compatibility of alerts on persons
Alert for
Alert on
Alert for
Alert for
Alert on
Alert for
Order of importance
Alert for
missing
missing
arrest
refusal of
discreet
specific
judicial
entry
person
person
(protection) surveillance
check
(whereabouts) procedure
Alert for arrest yes yes yes no no yes yes
Alert for refusal of
yes yes no no no no no
entry

---

EN
15.7.2011 Official
Journal
of
the
European
Union L
186/15
Alert for
Alert on
Alert for
Alert for
Alert on
Alert for
Order of importance
Alert for
missing
missing
arrest
refusal of
discreet
specific
judicial
entry
person
person
(protection) surveillance
check
(whereabouts) procedure
Alert on missing yes no yes no no yes yes
person — protection
Alert for discreet no no no yes no no no
surveillance
Alert for specific check no no no no yes no no
Alert on missing yes no yes no no yes yes
person — whereabouts
Alert for judicial yes no yes no no yes yes
procedure
Table of compatibility of alerts on objects
Order of importance
Alert for discreet
surveillance
Alert for specific check Alert for seizure or use
as evidence
Alert for discreet surveillance yes no no
Alert for specific check no yes no
Alert for seizure or use as evidence no no yes
2.1.2. Checking
for
multiple
alerts
on
a
person
To avoid entering incompatible multiple alerts, care shall be taken to distinguish accurately between individuals
who have similar characteristics. Consultation and cooperation between the SIRENE bureaux is therefore
essential and each Member State shall establish appropriate technical procedures to detect such cases before
an entry is made.
The elements used for establishing whether two identities may be identical are detailed in Annex 6 to this
Manual.
The following procedure shall apply:
(a) if the processing of a request for entering a new alert reveals that there is already a person in the SIS with
the same mandatory identity description elements (surname, given name, date of birth) a check must be run
before the new alert is approved;
(b) the SIRENE bureau which intends to enter a new alert shall contact the issuing SIRENE bureau to clarify
whether the alert relates to the same person by means of an L form;
(c) if the check reveals that the details are identical and could relate to the same person, the SIRENE bureau
which intends to enter a new alert shall apply the procedure for entering multiple alerts. If the outcome of
the check is that the details relate to two different people, the SIRENE bureau shall approve the request for
entering the new alert.
2.1.3. Negotiating
the
entry
of
a
new
alert
if
this
is
incompatible
with
an
existing
alert
If a request for an alert conflicts with an alert issued by the same Member State, the national SIRENE bureau
shall ensure that only one alert exists in the SIS. Each Member State may choose the procedure to be applied.
If the alert requested is incompatible with an alert already issued by one or several other Member States, their
agreement is required.

---

L 186/16
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
15.7.2011
The following procedure shall apply:
(a) if the alerts are compatible, the SIRENE bureaux do not need to consult each other; if the alerts are
independent of each other, the Member State that wishes to enter a new alert shall decide whether to
consult;
(b) if the alerts are not compatible, or if there is any doubt as to their compatibility, the SIRENE bureaux shall
consult one another using an E form so that ultimately only one alert is entered;
(c) alerts for arrest shall be entered immediately without awaiting the result of any consultation with other
Member States;
(d) if an alert that is incompatible with existing alerts is given priority as the outcome of consultation, the
Member States that entered the other alerts shall withdraw them when the new alert is entered; any disputes
shall be settled by negotiations between the SIRENE bureaux. If agreement cannot be reached on the basis
of the list of priorities established, the oldest alert is left in the SIS;
(e) if an alert is deleted, Member States who were not able to enter an alert are informed by the C.SIS. The
SIRENE bureau should then be notified automatically by a message from N.SIS that an alert put on hold can
be entered. The SIRENE bureau shall apply the entire procedure for entering an alert in the appropriate alert
category.
2.2. The
exchange
of
information
after
a
hit
When an end-user conducts a search of the SIS and finds that an alert exists which matches the details entered
by him/her, this is called a ‘hit’.
The end-user may require the SIRENE bureau to supply supplementary information in order to allow effective
implementation of the procedures laid down in SIS tables 4, 10 or 16 as set out in Annex 4 (action to be
taken).
Unless stated otherwise, the issuing Member State shall be informed of the hit and its outcome.
2.2.1. Procedures
following
a
hit
The following procedures shall apply:
(a) one ‘hit’ on an individual or an object on which an alert has been issued shall usually be communicated by
means of one G form to the SIRENE bureau of the issuing Member State;
(b) when notifying the issuing Member State of a hit, the applicable Article of the Schengen Convention shall,
as appropriate, be indicated in field 090 of the G form, including additional information if necessary (e.g.
‘MINOR’).
(c) the G form shall provide as much as possible information on the hit, including on the action taken in field
088. Provision of supplementary information may be requested from the issuing Member State in field 089.
(d) if necessary the SIRENE bureau of the issuing Member State shall, following the hit, send any relevant
specific information;
(e) the particular measures should be taken by the SIRENE bureau of the Member State that matched the alert
to support the effective execution of the requested measures (action to be taken);
(f) if the SIRENE bureau of the Member State that achieved a hit intends to provide further information after a
G form has been sent, it shall use an M form;
(g) if the hit concerns a person who is the subject of an alert under Article 95 or a minor who is the subject of
an alert under Article 97, the SIRENE bureau of the Member State that matched the alert shall, where
appropriate, inform the SIRENE bureau of the issuing Member State of the hit by telephone after sending a
G form;
(h) the SIRENE bureaux of Member States that have issued alerts under Article 96 shall not necessarily be
informed of any hits as a matter of course, but shall be informed in exceptional circumstances if supple
mentary information is required. For special procedures see Section 4.

---

EN
15.7.2011 Official
Journal
of
the
European
Union L
186/17
2.2.2. Communicating
further
information
The following procedure shall apply:
(a) the SIRENE bureaux may transmit further information on Article 95 to Article 100 alerts, and in doing so
may act on behalf of judicial authorities if this information falls within the scope of mutual judicial
assistance;
(b) to the extent possible, and in accordance with the applicable rules of data protection, the SIRENE bureaux
shall communicate medical details on the individuals on whom an alert has been issued pursuant to
Article 97, if measures have to be taken for their protection. The medical information transmitted shall
be kept only as long as is strictly necessary and shall be used exclusively for the purposes of medical
treatment given to the person concerned.
2.3. When
the
procedures
following
a
hit
cannot
be
followed
(Article
104(3))
If, following a hit, normal procedures cannot be executed, the exchange of data shall take place according to the
following rules:
(a) the discovering Member State shall immediately inform the Member State that issued the alert via its
SIRENE bureau, that it is not able to follow procedures, and give the reasons by using an H form;
(b) the Member States concerned may then agree on the procedure to follow, in accordance with their national
legislation and the provisions of the Schengen Convention.
2.4. If
the
original
purpose
of
the
alert
is
altered
(Article
102(3))
Under Article 102(3), the data may be used for a purpose other than that for which the alert was entered, but
only following a hit, in order to prevent an imminent serious threat to public order and safety, for serious
reasons of national security or for the purposes of preventing a serious criminal offence.
The purpose of the alert may only be altered if prior authorisation has been obtained from the issuing Member
State.
If the purpose of the alert is changed, the exchange of information shall take place according to the following
rules:
(a) through its SIRENE bureau, the discovering Member State shall explain to the Member State that issued the
alert the grounds for asking for the original objective to be changed (I form);
(b) as soon as possible, the issuing Member State shall study whether this wish can be met and advise the
discovering Member State, through its SIRENE bureau, of its decision;
(c) If need be, the Member State that issued the alert can grant authorisation subject to certain conditions on
how the data is to be used.
Once the Member State that issued the alert has agreed, the discovering Member State shall use the data for the
reason it sought and obtained authorisation. It shall take account of any conditions set.
2.5. Data
found
to
be
legally
or
factually
inaccurate
(Article
106)
Articles 106(2) and 106(3) provide for legal or factual errors to be rectified.
If data is found to be legally or factually incorrect or inadmissible, then the exchange of information shall take
place according to the following rule:
(a) the Member State which establishes that data contains an error shall advise the issuing Member State via its
SIRENE bureau by using the J form;
(b) if the Member States are in agreement, the issuing Member State shall follow its national procedures for
correcting the error;
(c) if there is no agreement, the SIRENE bureau of the Member State that identified the error shall advise the
authority responsible within its own country to refer the matter to the Joint Supervisory Authority.
2.6.
The right to access and rectify data (Articles 109 and 110)
Anyone is entitled to have access to data concerning him/herself and to request the correction of any errors.
Such access shall be in accordance with the national law of the country in which the request is made.

---

L 186/18
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
15.7.2011
A Member State may not authorise access to an alert issued by another Member State without first consulting
the issuing Member State by means of a K form.
2.6.1. The
exchange
of
information
regarding
the
right
to
access
or
rectify
data
If the national authorities are to be informed of a request to access or verify data, then the exchange of
information will take place according to the following rules:
(a) each SIRENE bureau must apply its national legislation on the right to access to this data. Depending on the
circumstances of the case, the SIRENE bureaux shall either forward the national authorities responsible any
requests they receive for access or for rectifying data, or they shall adjudicate upon these requests within the
limits of their remit;
(b) if the national authorities responsible so ask, the SIRENE bureaux of the Member States concerned shall
forward information on exercising this right to access.
2.6.2.
Information on requests for access to, or correction or deletion of alerts issued by other Member States
As far as is possible, information on alerts entered into the SIS by another Member State shall be exchanged via
the national SIRENE bureaux.
The following procedure shall apply:
(a) the request for access, correction or deletion shall be forwarded to the Member State that issued the alert as
soon as possible, so that it can take a position on the question;
(b) the issuing Member State shall inform the Member State that received the request of its position by
providing all the necessary information to answer the request;
(c) it shall take account of any legal deadlines set for processing the request;
(d) the Member State receiving an enquiry from an individual for access, correction or deletion shall take all the
necessary measures to ensure a timely response.
If the Member State that issued the alert sends its position to the SIRENE bureau of the Member State that
received the request for access, correction or deletion, the SIRENE bureau shall ensure that the position is
forwarded to the authority responsible for adjudication on the request as soon as possible.
2.6.3. Information
on
access
and
rectification
procedures
The following procedure shall apply:
The SIRENE bureaux shall keep one another informed of any national legislation adopted on access and
rectification procedures for personal data, as well as of any amendments made thereafter.
2.7. Deletion
of
an
alert
when
the
conditions
for
maintaining
it
cease
to
be
met
The SIRENE bureau shall inform the Member States who had been unable to enter their alert that a hit has been
made and that the alert has been deleted. The information from the G form provided by the SIRENE bureau of
the Member State that has achieved a hit shall be provided by means of an M form.
Excluding the cases after a hit, an alert may be deleted either directly by the C.SIS (once the expiry date is
passed) or indirectly by the service that entered the alert in the SIS (once the conditions for maintaining the
alert no longer apply).
In both instances the C.SIS deletion message should be processed automatically by the N.SIS.
2.8. Misused
Identity
A misused identity (name, first name, date of birth) occurs if an offender uses the identity of a real person. This
can happen, in particular, when a document is used to the detriment of the real owner.
The Member State issuing the code 3 in the field of ‘category of identity’ shall send the Q form at the same
time as entering the alert into the SIS or modifying it.
If the code 3 is found in the field of ‘category of identity’ when the SIS is consulted, the official conducting the
check shall contact the national SIRENE bureau and obtain additional information in order to clarify whether
the person being checked is the person sought or the person whose identity is misused.

---

EN
15.7.2011 Official
Journal
of
the
European
Union L
186/19
As soon as it is clear that a person’s identity is misused a code ‘3’ shall be set in the alert.
Supplementary information on the person whose identity is misused may only be processed with his free and
explicit consent for all items of information.
The person whose identity is misused shall, subject to his explicit consent and according to national procedures,
provide the national SIRENE bureau of the issuing Member State with the information required to avoid the
negative consequences of misidentification, such as genuine particulars, details of identity papers and/or by
filling out the Q form.
Subject to the condition mentioned below, the photograph and the fingerprints of the person whose identity is
misused may also be kept on file at the SIRENE bureau of the issuing Member State.
On the Q form, only the Schengen number refers to the data of the person sought by the SIS alert and all the
other information relates to the victim of the misuse of identity. The information in heading 052 (Date
document was issued) is compulsory. Heading 083 (Particular information concerning the alert) shall
provide, as appropriate, further information on the case of misused identity (for example further distinguishing
features) and shall always indicate the contact service which has further information on the alert.
Furthermore, on becoming aware that a person alerted in the SIS is misusing someone else’s identity, the
issuing State shall check whether it is necessary to maintain the misused identity in the SIS alert (to find the
person sought).
The data of the person whose identity is misused, including any fingerprints and photographs, shall only be
available for the purpose of establishing the identity of the person being checked and shall in no way be used
for any other purpose. Information on misused identity shall be deleted during the process of deleting the
related alert.
2.9. Entering
an
alias
In order to avoid incompatible alerts of any category due to an alias to be entered, or to avoid problems for
innocent victims, the SIRENE bureaux shall, if this information is available to them, inform each other about
aliases and transmit all relevant information about the real identity of the subject sought. The Member State
that entered the original alert is responsible for adding any aliases. If another Member State discovers an alias, it
shall pass the matter on to the Member State that originally entered the alert.
2.10. SIRPIT
(SIRENE
Picture
Transfer)
2.10.1. Development
and
background
of
SIRPIT
(SIRENE
Picture
Transfer)
SIRENE bureaux should be able to exchange fingerprints and pictures for identification purposes.
The SIRPIT Procedure makes it possible, when there is some doubt about the identity of a discovered person, to
exchange pictures and fingerprints quickly and electronically between SIRENE bureaux, so that a comparison
can be made between the fingerprints and pictures of the discovered person and those of the person regarding
whom an alert was issued.
2.10.2. Use
of
the
data
exchanged,
including
archiving
Limitations on the use of data provided for in Articles 95 to 100 are set out in the Schengen Convention. Any
use of pictures and fingerprints exchanged via SIRPIT, including archiving, shall comply with the relevant
provisions of the Schengen Convention, applicable national provisions on data protection, in accordance
with Directive 95/46/EC, Framework Decision 2008/977/JHA and the Convention 108 of the Council of
Europe as appropriate.
2.10.3. Technical
requirements
Every SIRENE bureau should fulfil the SIRPIT technical requirements.
The SIRENE bureau shall be able to, on the one hand, electronically exchange requests for comparison or
verification and the results thereof and, on the other hand, send their requests electronically (without changes)
to and receive results from their national identification service.
In SIRPIT, fingerprints and pictures are sent in an attachment on an input screen specially designed for this
purpose.

---

L 186/20
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
15.7.2011
2.10.4. The
national
identification
service
The national identification service only receives requests from and sends results to its own national SIRENE
bureau.
2.10.5. Use
of
the
SIRENE L form
The transmission (request for and result of a comparison) via SIRPIT shall be announced by sending an L form
through the usual channel used for all SIRENE forms. L forms shall be sent at the same time as fingerprints
and/or pictures.
2.10.6. SIRPIT
procedure
The SIRENE bureau of the country in which the person was discovered is known hereafter as ‘the discovering
SIRENE’.
The SIRENE bureau of the country, which has introduced the alert into the SIS, is known hereafter as ‘the
providing SIRENE bureau’.
The procedure allows for two possibilities:
2.10.6.1. The discovering SIRENE bureau makes the comparison
(a) The discovering SIRENE bureau sends a G form through the usual electronic path and asks, in field 089,
the providing SIRENE bureau to send an L form as soon as possible, as well as the fingerprints and
pictures, if these are available.
(b) The providing SIRENE bureau replies in an L form. If the fingerprints and pictures are available, the
providing SIRENE bureau mentions in field 083 that fingerprints and/or pictures are sent in order to
make the comparison.
(c) The discovering SIRENE bureau sends the fingerprints and pictures to its national identification service for
comparison, and asks for the result through the same path.
(d) The discovering SIRENE bureau provides the result in an L form (in field 083) to the providing SIRENE
bureau.
2.10.6.2. The providing SIRENE bureau makes the comparison
(a) The discovering SIRENE bureau sends a G form and an L form through the usual electronic path and
mentions in field 083 of the L form that the fingerprints and pictures are being sent for comparison.
(b) The providing SIRENE bureau sends the fingerprints and pictures that it has received to its national
identification service for comparison and asks for the result through the same path.
(c) The providing SIRENE bureau provides the result in an L form (in field 083) to the discovering SIRENE
bureau.
After comparison, the fingerprints and pictures of a reported person may be kept in the file by the discovering
SIRENE bureau in case further comparisons are required, in accordance with Article 112A of the Schengen
Convention.
The fingerprints and pictures of a person not matching the data of the reported person which have been
exchanged via SIRPIT shall be processed in accordance with the provisions of the Schengen Convention
applicable national provisions on data protection in accordance with Directive 95/46/EC, Framework
Decision 2008/977/JHA and Convention 108 of the Council of Europe, as appropriate.
2.10.6.3. Input screen
The input mask shall be developed with reference to the existing Interpol input mask (ANSI/NIST standard).
The input mask shall have the following data:
(1) Schengen ID number (*) (see note 1 below)
(2) Reference number (*) (see note 1 below)
(3) Date of fingerprints
(4) Place where fingerprints were taken
(5) Date of picture
(6) Reason for fingerprints (reason for the alert underlying the transmission of the fingerprints)

---

EN
15.7.2011 Official
Journal
of
the
European
Union L
186/21
(7) Family name (*) (see note 2 below)
(8) First name (*) (see note 2 below)
(9) Maiden name
(10) Identity ascertained?
(11) Date of birth (*)
(12) Place of Birth
(13) Nationality
(14) Gender (*)
(15) Supplementary information
Remarks:
(*) Mandatory
Notes:
(1) an entry shall be made in either Field 1 or Field 2
(2) the option ‘unknown’ may be entered
When available, the place where and date on which the fingerprints were taken shall be entered.
2.11. Role
of
the
SIRENE
bureaux
in
police
cooperation
in
the
European
Union
The exchange of supplementary information under the Schengen Convention shall not prejudice the tasks
entrusted to the SIRENE bureaux in the area of international police cooperation by national law implementing
other legal instruments of the European Union.
Additional tasks may be entrusted to the SIRENE bureaux, in particular, by the national law implementing
Council Framework Decision 2006/960/JHA ( 25 ), Articles 39 and 46 of the Schengen Convention, in as far as
they are not replaced by Framework Decision 2006/960/JHA, Articles 40 or 41 of the Schengen Convention or
if the information falls within the scope of the mutual legal assistance.
If a SIRENE bureau receives a request falling outside its competence under national law, from another SIRENE
bureau, it shall immediately forward it to the competent authority and inform the requesting SIRENE bureau
about this action. If necessary, it shall provide support to the requesting SIRENE bureau to facilitate communi
cation.
2.12.
Relations between SIRENE and Interpol
The role of the SIS is neither to replace nor to replicate the role of Interpol. Although tasks may overlap, the
governing principles for action and cooperation between the Member States under Schengen differ substantially
from those under Interpol. It is therefore necessary to establish rules for cooperation between the SIRENE
bureaux and the NCBs (National Central Bureaux) at national level.
The following principles have been agreed:
2.12.1. Priority of SIS alerts over Interpol alerts
SIS alerts and the exchange of all information on these alerts shall always have priority over alerts and
information exchanged via Interpol. This is of particular importance if the alerts conflict.
2.12.2. Choice
of
communication
channel
The principle of Schengen alerts taking precedence over Interpol alerts shall be respected and it shall be ensured
that the NCBs of Member States also comply with this. Once the Schengen alert is created, all communication
related to the alert and the purpose for its creation, shall be provided by SIRENE bureaux. If a Member State
wants to change channels of communication, the other parties shall be consulted in advance. Such a change of
channel is possible only in special cases.
2.12.3. Use and distribution of Interpol diffusions and notices in Schengen states
Given the priority of SIS over Interpol alerts, Interpol alerts shall be restricted to exceptional cases (i.e. where
there is no provision, either in the Convention or in technical terms, to enter the alert in the SIS, or where
insufficient information is available to enter an alert into the SIS). Parallel alerts in the SIS and via Interpol
( 25 ) Council Framework Decision 2006/960/JHA of 18 December 2006 on simplifying the exchange of information and intelligence
between law enforcement authorities of the Member States of the European Union (OJ L 386, 29.12.2006, p. 89).

---

L 186/22
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
15.7.2011
within the Schengen area are inadmissible. alerts which are distributed via Interpol channels and which also
cover the Schengen area or parts thereof (Interpol diffusion zone 2) should bear the following indication: ‘Zone
2 except for the Schengen States’.
2.12.4. Sending
information
to
third
countries
As a general rule, data entered in the SIS shall not be made available to third countries. However, where a
Member State has issued an alert, only the SIRENE bureau of that issuing Member State may decide whether to
make available information to third countries (authorisation, diffusion means and channel). In so doing the
SIRENE bureau shall observe the personal data protection provisions laid down in the Schengen Convention,
Framework Decision 2008/977/JHA and Directive 95/46/EC, as appropriate. Use of the Interpol channel will
depend on national provisions or procedures.
2.12.5. Hit
and
deletion
of
an
alert
The Schengen States shall ensure at national level that the SIRENE bureaux and the NCBs inform each other of
hits.
The deletion of an alert shall be undertaken only by the authority, which issued the alert.
2.12.6. Improvement of cooperation between the SIRENE bureaux and the Interpol NCBs
Each Member State shall take all appropriate measures to provide for effective exchange of information at
national level between its SIRENE bureau and the NCBs.
2.13. Cooperation
with
EUROPOL
and
EUROJUST
In order to streamline cooperation between SIRENE bureaux, appropriate national procedures shall be estab
lished, in particular for cases where EUROPOL or EUROJUST accesses the SIS and achieves a hit.
2.14. Special
types
of
search
2.14.1. Geographically
targeted
search
A geographically targeted search is a search carried out when the requesting country has firm evidence of the
whereabouts of the wanted person or object within a restricted geographical area. In such circumstances a
request from the judicial authority may be executed immediately on receipt.
Geographically targeted searches in the Schengen area shall take place on the basis of the alert in the SIS. The
relevant M form, which shall be sent at time of creation of the alert or the obtaining of the information on
whereabouts, shall include information on the whereabouts of the wanted person or object. An alert for the
wanted person shall be entered in the SIS to ensure that a request for provisional arrest is immediately
enforceable (Article 64 in the Convention and Article 9(3) of the Framework Decision on EAW).
Such an alert increases the chances of success, if the person or object moves unexpectedly from one place to
another within the Schengen area. Cases where no alert is created shall be restricted to special circumstances, in
particular if there is no sufficient information available to create an alert.
2.14.2. Search
with
participation
of
special
police
units
for
targeted
search
(FAST)
The services provided by special units that conduct targeted searches (FAST) shall also be used in suitable cases
by SIRENE bureaux in the requested Member States. The alert in SIS cannot be replaced by international
cooperation of the above mentioned police units. Such cooperation shall not overlap the SIRENE bureau’s role
as a focal point for searches using the SIS.
Cooperation, as appropriate, shall be established to ensure that the SIRENE bureau of the issuing Member State
is informed by their national FAST about any ongoing operation relating to an alert entered in the SIS. Where
appropriate this SIRENE bureau shall provide this information to other SIRENE bureaux.
The SIRENE bureaux shall ensure fast flow of supplementary information, including information on a hit, to the
national FAST if the latter is involved in the search.
2.15. Flagging
A flag shall be added at the request of another Member State.
Articles 94(4), 95(3), 97 and 99(6) of the Schengen Convention allow a Member State to refuse to perform a
requested action on its territory at any time by requesting that a flag be added to the alerts in accordance with
Articles 95, 97 or 99 where it considers that an alert is incompatible with its national law, its international
obligations or essential national interests. The reasons for the request shall be provided simultaneously.

---

EN
15.7.2011 Official
Journal
of
the
European
Union L
186/23
When a flag is added to Articles 97 and 99 alerts the alert does not appear on the screen when the end user
consults the system. An alternative procedure exists only for Article 95 alerts. Each Member State shall detect
the alerts likely to require a flag as swiftly as possible.
2.15.1. Consulting
the
Member
States
with
a
view
to
adding
a
flag
The following procedure shall apply:
(a) if a Member State requires a flag to be added it shall request, via its SIRENE Bureau, the flag from the
issuing Member State by means of an F form, using fields 071-074 ( 26 ). For more details concerning the
national law field 080 and, where appropriate, for supplementary information explaining the reason for the
flag and other supplementary information concerning the alert, field 083 shall be used;
(b) the Member State that issued the alert shall add the requested flag immediately;
(c) once information has been exchanged, based on the information provided for in the consultation process
by the Member State requesting the flag, the alert may need to be amended or deleted or the request may
be withdrawn.
2.15.2. A request for deletion of a flag
Member States shall request the deletion of the previously requested flag as soon as the reason for the flag is no
longer valid. This may be the case, in particular, if the national legislation has changed or if further information
exchange about the case revealed that the circumstances mentioned in Articles 94(4), 95(3), 97 and 99(6) of
the Schengen Convention no longer exist.
The following procedure shall apply:
(a) the SIRENE bureau which previously requested the flag to be added shall request the SIRENE bureau of the
Member State that issued the alert to delete the flag. This request shall be made by means of an F form.
Field 075 shall be used for this purpose ( 27 ). For more details concerning the national law field 080 shall be
used and, where appropriate, for supplementary information explaining the reason for the deletion of the
flag and for other supplementary information concerning the alert field, 083 shall be used;
(b) the SIRENE bureau of the Member State that issued the alert shall delete the flag immediately.
2.16. Indication
of
urgency
in
SIRENE
forms
SIRENE forms to be dealt with by the requested SIRENE bureau with highest priority may be marked ‘URGENT’,
followed by the reason for urgency. Field 083 in the SIRENE forms shall include this information as the first
piece of information, where appropriate.
3. ALERTS
PURSUANT
TO
ARTICLE
95
( 28 )
The following steps shall be followed:
— Member State checks prior to issuing the alert,
— multiple alerts,
— supplementary Information to be sent to Member States,
— at the request of another Member State add a flag,
— action by SIRENE bureau upon receipt of an Article 95 alert,
— the exchange of information after a hit,
— deletion of an alert,
— misused identity.
3.1. Member
State
checks
prior
to
issuing
the
alert
Most newly issued Article 95 alerts will be based on a European Arrest Warrant (EAW). However, under an
Article 95 alert it is also possible for provisional arrest prior to obtaining an extradition request. The checks
required before each of these cases are as follows:
( 26 ) For the technical implementation see the Data Exchange between SIRENEs document referred to in Section 1.5.4.
( 27 ) See footnote 26.
( 28 ) ‘Persons wanted for arrest for surrender/extradition’

---

L 186/24
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
15.7.2011
The EAW/extradition request shall be issued by a judicial authority authorised to carry out this function in the
issuing Member State.
Sufficient detail to enable other SIRENE bureaux to verify the alert should be contained in the EAW/extradition
request and in the A form (in particular, EAW section (e): ‘description of the circumstances in which the
offence(s) was (were) committed, including the time and place’ and A form, field 044: ‘description of the
deeds’).
3.2.
Checking whether the national law of the Member States authorises arrest with a view to surrender or
extradition
The Member State issuing an alert shall check whether the arrest that is to be requested is authorised by the
national law of the other Member States.
The following procedure shall apply:
(a) check that all Member States are able to follow up the alert;
(b) if there is any doubt, consult the SIRENE bureau concerned and transmit or exchange the information
necessary for the check.
Each Member State shall take appropriate technical or organisational measures to ensure that alerts under
Article 95(2), second sentence, are only entered into the SIS after the SIRENE bureau of the Member State in
question has been informed.
3.3. Multiple
alerts
3.3.1. Check
for
multiple
alerts
(Article
107)
Each Member State can only enter one alert in the system per wanted person. A check is therefore required to
identify multiple requests for an alert from one Member State. In the event of multiple requests by one Member
State, a national procedure is required to agree which EAW will be shown on the Article 95 alert. On the basis
of this alert, only one A form shall be sent to Member States in accordance with the procedure referred to in
Section 3.4. Alternatively, a single EAW could be issued to cover all offences.
For general procedures on checking multiple alerts see Section 2.1.2.
The SIRENE bureau of the Member State issuing an alert shall maintain a record of any requests to enter a
further alert which, after consultation, have been rejected by virtue of the provisions given above, until the alert
is deleted.
Whenever a hit occurs in a Member State, the SIRENE bureau of the Member State that issued the alert may
send as many EAW as have been issued by their competent judicial authorities.
Several Member States may enter an alert for an EAW on the same person. If two or more Member States have
issued an EAW for the same person, the decision on which warrant shall be executed in the event of an arrest
shall be taken by the executing judicial authority in the Member State where the arrest occurs. If the alerts are
compatible, G forms shall be sent, in the event of a hit, in response to all requests.
3.3.2. Exchange
of
information
See general procedures in Section 2.1.2 and 2.1.3.
3.4.
Supplementary information to be sent to Member States
3.4.1. Supplementary
information
to
be
sent
with
regards
to
an
EAW
The A and M forms, which are uniform for all Member States, shall be used and the information contained in
these forms shall be the same as that in the EAW.
In an A form:
— 006-013: The relevant information inserted in the SIS and corresponding to Section (a) of the EAW should
be entered,
— 030: Information that this A form is specific to an EAW should be entered along with details of the
magistrate or court ordering the arrest warrant, taken from Section (i) of the EAW,
— 031: The relevant information contained in the EAW section (b) concerning the decision on which the
warrant is based should be entered,
— 032: The date of the arrest warrant should be entered,

---

EN
15.7.2011 Official
Journal
of
the
European
Union L
186/25
— 033: The capacity of the judicial authority which issued the warrant should be entered, taken from Section
(i) of the EAW,
— 034: The relevant information from the EAW section (c, 1) plus, where applicable:
— the offence(s) on the basis of which the warrant has been issued is (are) punishable by a custodial life
sentence or lifetime detention order,
— the legal system of the issuing Member State allows for a review of the penalty or measure imposed, on
request or at least after 20 years, aiming at the non-execution of such a penalty or measure, and/or
— the legal system of the issuing Member State allows for the application of measures of clemency to
which the person is entitled under the law or practice of the issuing Member State, aiming at the non-
execution of such a penalty or measure,
— 035-037: The relevant information from the EAW section (b) should be entered,
— 038: The relevant information from the EAW section (c, 2) plus, where applicable:
— the offence(s) on the basis of which the warrant has been issued is (are) punishable by a custodial life
sentence or lifetime detention order,
— the legal system of the issuing Member State allows for a review of the penalty or measure imposed, on
request or at least after 20 years, aiming at the non-execution of such a penalty or measure, and/or
— the legal system of the issuing Member State allows for the application of measures of clemency to
which the person is entitled under the law or practice of the issuing Member State, aiming at the non-
execution of such a penalty or measure,
— 039: Information from EAW section (c, 2) should be entered,
— 040: Information from EAW section (e) on the applicable statutory provision/code,
— 041: Information from EAW section (e) on the nature and legal classification of the offence(s),
— 042: Information from EAW section (e) on the time the offence(s) was (were) committed,
— 043: Information from EAW section (e) on the place in which the offence(s) was (were) committed,
— 044: Information from EAW section (e) on the circumstances of the offence(s),
— 045: Information from EAW section (e) on the degree of participation by the requested person,
— 058: Information from the EAW section (a) on distinctive marks/description of the person.
In field 083 of an M form:
— where the text ‘Information on decision rendered in absentia according to EAW Section (d)’ appears, it is requested,
where applicable:
(a) to indicate if the decision was pronounced in absentia;
(b) if so, to specify whether the person concerned was personally summoned or informed of the date and
place of the hearing where the decision was rendered in absentia. If this is not the case, mention the
legal safeguards. From the date of application of Framework Decision 2009/299/JHA ( 29 ), the conditions
of the decision rendered in absentia shall be indicated in field 083 as specified in the EAW. Codes 2,
3.1a, 3.1b, 3.2, 3.3 (decision not contested), 3.3 (no request for retrial or appeal) and 3.4 shall be
referred to and, where applicable, information shall be provided about how the relevant condition has
been met,
( 29 ) Council Framework Decision 2009/299/JHA of 26 February 2009 amending Framework Decisions 2002/584/JHA, 2005/214/JHA,
2006/783/JHA, 2008/909/JHA and 2008/947/JHA, thereby enhancing the procedural rights of persons and fostering the application
of the principle of mutual recognition to decisions rendered in the absence of the person concerned at the trial (OJ L 81, 27.3.2009,
p. 24).

---

L 186/26
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
15.7.2011
— where the text ‘Punishable offence(s) according to EAW Section (e, I and II)’ appears, one or more of the
offences punishable in the issuing Member State by a custodial sentence or detention order of a maximum
of at least 3 years, as defined by the laws of the issuing Member State, according to Article 2(2) of the
Framework decision (or Section [(e)I] of the EAW) has to be filled in, if applicable,
— if the offence(s) does (do) fall within the list given in Article 2(2) of the framework decision concerning the
EAW, the offence(s) shall be entered in full into the M form, according to the wording used in the list,
— if the offences do not fall within the list mentioned above, the following information is required:
(a) either that the warrant has been issued for acts punishable by the law of the issuing Member State by a
custodial sentence or a detention order for a maximum period of at least 12 months;
(b) or, where a sentence has been passed or a detention order has been made, that the sentence is of at least
4 months.
— If the information to be inserted into field 083 of the M forms exceeds 1 024 characters, one or more
supplementary M forms have to be sent.
3.4.2.
Supplementary Information to be sent with regards to provisional arrest
The file provided with regard to persons wanted for arrest for extradition purposes, shall be prepared before the
alert is entered. A check should be made to ensure that the information is complete and correctly presented.
The following information is to be provided: the details for prosecution or the enforcement of criminal
sentences shall, in principle, be provided as an alternative:
— 006: Surname: The surname used for the main data in the SIS alert is entered under heading 006,
— 007: Given name,
— 009: Date of birth,
— 010: Place of birth,
— 011: Alias: The first alias name is written out in full and the total number of aliases found is indicated. An
M form may be used to send the complete list of alias names,
— 012: Gender,
— 013: Nationality: Heading 013 ‘Nationality’ must be filled in as completely as possible on the basis of the
available information. If there are any doubts as to the information, code ‘1W’ and the word ‘supposed’
should be added to the word ‘nationality’,
— 030: Authority issuing the arrest warrant or decision (name and position of the magistrate or public
prosecutor or name of the court),
— 031: Reference No. of arrest warrant or decision (037). See also comments below,
— 032: Date of arrest warrant or decision (036). Requests for criminal prosecution and enforcement can be
summarised in an accompanying document,
— 033: Name of requesting authority,
— 034: Maximum penalty/maximum penalty foreseen,
— 035: Magistrate or court issuing the decision,
— 036: Date of decision,
— 037: Decision ref. no,
— 038: Sentence given,
— 039: Indication of sentence remaining to be served,
— 040: Legal texts applicable,
— 041: Legal description of the deed,
— 042: Date/period the offence was committed,
— 044: Description of the facts of the case (including their consequences),
— 045: Degree of involvement (principal — accessory — aider — abetter).

---

EN
15.7.2011 Official
Journal
of
the
European
Union L
186/27
Each country may use its own legal terminology to describe the degree of participation.
The information given must be in sufficient detail for the other SIRENE bureaux to verify the alert, but not in
so much detail as to overload the message system.
If the SIRENE bureaux are unable to receive the message because the number of spaces fixed for the relevant
form, for technical reasons, is insufficient, an M form can be sent with supplementary information. The end of
the transmission is indicated by the phrase ‘End of Message’ in the last form (heading 044 of A form or
heading 083 of M form).
3.4.3. Entering
an
alias
See general procedures in Section 2.9.
In case of alerts for arrest, the SIRENE Bureau shall use field 011 of the A form ( 30 ) (at the time of entry of the
alert) or subsequently the M form, when informing the other Member States of aliases regarding an alert issued
pursuant to Article 95, if this information is available to the SIRENE bureau.
3.4.4. Further
Information
to
establish
a
person’s
identity
The SIRENE bureau of the issuing Member State may also, if necessary, provide further information, after
consultation and/or at the request of another Member State, to help establish a person’s identity. This
information shall cover the following, in particular:
— the origin of the passport or identity document in the possession of the person sought,
— the reference number, issuing date, place and authority as well as the expiry date of the passport or identity
document,
— description of the person sought,
— surname and given name of the wanted person’s mother and father,
— to check whether a photo and/or finger prints are available,
— last known address.
As far as is possible, this information, including any photographs and fingerprints, shall be available in the
SIRENE bureaux, or immediately and permanently accessible to them for speedy transmission.
The common objective is to minimise the risk of wrongly detaining a person whose details are similar to those
of the person on whom an alert has been issued.
3.4.5. Sending
the A and M forms
The information mentioned in 3.3.1 and 3.3.2 shall be sent by the swiftest means available. The issuing
Member State shall send the A and M forms at the same time as entering the Article 95(2) alert into the
SIS. Any further information required for identification purposes shall be sent after consultation and/or at the
request of another Member State. Multiple M forms describing different EAWs (or extradition requests) can be
sent if necessary. The M form shall contain information in particular on the type of offence on which the EAW
is based, the date of the commission of the offence and the statute of limitations. If the issue of a new EAW
concerning a person already subject of a EAW requires the replacement of an existing A form, the fact that the
new A form is a replacement shall be indicated on the new form in field 030.
3.5. Flagging
For general procedures see Section 2.15.
A flagged alert shall be regarded as being issued for the purposes of communicating the place of residence of
the person concerned.
3.5.1.
Systematic request for a flag to be added to alerts on persons wanted for arrest for extradition purposes where Council
Framework Decision 2002/584/JHA of 13 June 2002 on the European arrest warrant and the surrender procedures
between Member States ( 31 ) does not apply
The following procedure shall apply:
(a) in the case of alerts on persons wanted for arrest for extradition purposes, where Framework Decision
2002/584/JHA on the European arrest warrant and the surrender procedures between Member States does
not apply, a SIRENE bureau may ask other SIRENE bureaux to add a flag systematically to Article 95 alerts
issued on its nationals;
( 30 ) See footnote 26.
( 31 ) OJ L 190, 18.7.2002, p. 1.

---

L 186/28
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
15.7.2011
(b) any SIRENE bureau wishing to do so shall send a written request to other SIRENE bureaux;
(c) any SIRENE bureaux to whom such a request is addressed shall add a flag for the Member State in question
immediately after the alert is issued;
(d) the flag shall remain until the requesting SIRENE bureau asks for its cancellation.
If the circumstances mentioned in Article 94(4) of the Schengen Convention no longer exist, the Member State
that requested the flag shall ask as soon as possible for the flag to be revoked.
3.6. Action
by
SIRENE
bureaux
upon
receipt
of
an
Article
95
alert
When a SIRENE bureau receives the A and M forms, the bureau or associated unit should, as soon as
practicable, search all available sources to try and locate the subject. If the information provided by the
requesting Member State is not sufficient for acceptance by the receiving Member State, this should not
prevent the searches being carried out.
If the Article 95 alert is validated and the subject is located or arrested in the Member State, then the EAW
and/or A and M forms shall be forwarded to the authority of the Member State which executes the EAW. If
the original EAW is requested, it shall be sent by the issuing judicial authority directly to the executing judicial
authority (unless otherwise directed).
3.7. The
exchange
of
information
after
a
hit
3.7.1. Informing
the
Member
States
if
an
alert
is
matched
For the general procedure see Section 2.2.1.
In addition, the following procedure shall apply:
(a) a hit on an individual on which an Article 95 alert has been issued shall always be communicated to the
SIRENE bureau of the issuing Member State. Moreover, after sending the G form, the hit shall also be
communicated, where appropriate, by telephone;
(b) the authority competent for receiving the EAW or extradition request, its full communication contacts
(postal address, phone and, if available, fax and e-mail), reference number (if available), competent person (if
available), requested language, time limit for and form of delivery shall be provided in field 091 of the G
form;
(c) a Member State which had previously indicated a wish to issue an alert on a person already the subject of
an alert shall be informed of any hits on the original alert by the Member State that actually issued that
alert;
(d) C.SIS automatically communicates the deletion of an alert to all Member States. It is therefore possible for a
Member State to consider entering an alert, which was previously considered incompatible with an alert
which has now been deleted.
3.7.2. Communicating
further
information
The SIRENE bureaux may transmit further information on Article 95 alerts, and in so doing may act on behalf
of judicial authorities if this information falls within the scope of mutual judicial assistance.
3.7.3. Following
a
hit
The end user may require the SIRENE bureau to supply supplementary information to allow effective imple
mentation of the procedures laid down in SIS tables 4, 10 or 16 as set out in Annex 4.
Unless stated otherwise, the issuing Member State shall be informed of the hit and its outcome.
This procedure has technical implications as the alert may need to be deleted and another alert which had
previously been excluded from the SIS can now be entered.
3.7.4. Supplementary
information
exchange
about
surrender
or
extradition
Information, when provided by the competent judicial authorities to the SIRENE bureau on whether the
surrender or extradition may take place of a person for whom an alert for arrest has been issued, shall
immediately be provided to the SIRENE bureau of the Member State issuing the alert by means of an M
form, marked in field 083 with the word ‘SURRENDER’ or ‘EXTRADITION’ ( 32 ). The modalities of the
surrender or extradition should be communicated via the SIRENE bureaux as soon as possible.
( 32 ) See also Section 2.16. on indication of urgency in SIRENE forms.

---

EN
15.7.2011 Official
Journal
of
the
European
Union L
186/29
If the transit of a wanted person is necessary, the SIRENE bureau of the Member State to be transited shall
provide the necessary support and assistance, in response to a request by the SIRENE bureau or the competent
judicial authority of the issuing Member State, sent by the SIRENE bureau, by means of an M form.
3.8. Deletion
of
an
alert
Inform the Member States who had been unable to enter their alert that a hit has been made and that the alert
has been deleted.
3.8.1.
Deleting when the conditions for maintaining the alert cease to be met
Excluding the cases after a hit, an alert may be deleted either by the C.SIS (once the expiry date has passed) or
by the service that entered the alert in the SIS (once the conditions for maintaining the alert no longer apply).
In both instances the C.SIS ‘delete message’ should be processed automatically by the N.SIS so that an alert kept
pending can be entered in its place.
The SIRENE bureau is notified automatically by a message from its N.SIS that an alert put on hold can be
entered.
The SIRENE bureau shall apply the entire procedure for entering an alert in the appropriate alert category.
3.9. Misused
identity
See general procedure in Section 2.8.
4. ALERTS
PURSUANT
TO
ARTICLE
96
( 33 )
The following steps shall be followed:
— entry of the alert,
— check for multiple alerts, reference is made to General Procedures in Section 2.1,
— entering an alias, reference is made to General Procedures in Section 2.9,
— misused identity, reference is made to General Procedures in Section 2.8,
— SIRPIT procedure, reference is made to General Procedures in Section 2.10,
— general and special procedures to be followed.
4.1. Introduction
The exchange of information on third-country nationals on whom an alert has been issued under Article 96
allows Member States to decide in the case of entry or visa application. If the individual is already on the
territory of the Member State, it allows national authorities to take the appropriate action for issuing residence
permits, long-stay visas or expulsion.
Carrying out the information procedures laid down under Article 5(4) of the Schengen Borders Code and the
consultation procedures laid down under Article 25 of the Schengen Convention, falls within the competences
of the authorities responsible for border controls and issuing residence permits or visas. In principle, the
SIRENE bureaux shall be involved in these procedures only in order to transmit supplementary information
directly related to the alerts (e.g. notification of a hit, clarification of identity) or to erase alerts.
However, the SIRENE bureaux may also be involved in transmitting supplementary information necessary for
the expulsion of, or for refusing entry to, a third-country national; and, may be involved in transmitting any
supplementary information further generated by these actions.
4.2. Entry
of
alerts
pursuant
to
Article
96
Enter the alert into the SIS, if the SIRENE bureau is the authority designated for such entries.
( 33 ) Third-country nationals for whom an alert has been issued for the purposes of refusing entry (Articles 25 and 96 of the Schengen
Convention).

---

L 186/30
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
15.7.2011
In the exceptional case of entry of an alert on a third-country national enjoying the right of free movement, the
SIRENE bureau of the Member State issuing the alert shall send an M form to all the other Member States,
based on the information provided by the authority that has entered the alert ( 34 ).
4.3. Entering
an
alias
See general procedure in Section 2.9.
4.4. Misused
Identity
If code 3 is found in the field of ‘category of identity’ when the SIS is consulted, the official conducting the
check should contact the national SIRENE bureau and obtain additional information in order to clarify whether
the person being checked is the person sought or the person whose identity is misused.
For gathering and communicating information on a person whose identity is misused, see general procedure in
Section 2.8.
4.5. Types
of
SIRENE
procedures
to
be
followed
The following general procedures shall apply, to the SIRENE bureaux, to the extent that they forward supple
mentary information:
(a) exchange of information when refusing entry or expelling from the Schengen territory;
(b) exchange of information when issuing residence permits or long-stay visas.
The following special procedures shall apply to the SIRENE bureaux to the extent that they forward supple
mentary information:
(a) special procedures as provided for in Article 25 of the Schengen Convention;
(b) special procedures as provided for Article 5(4) of the Schengen Borders Code;
(c) exchange of information on a third-country national who is a beneficiary of the right of free movement;
(d) deletion of alerts entered for EU citizens.
4.6. Exchange
of
information
following
a
hit
4.6.1.
Exchange of information when refusing entry or expelling from the Schengen territory
The following procedure shall apply:
(a) a Member State may ask to be informed of any hits on alerts for refusal of entry or stay that it has issued.
Any Member State that wishes to take up this option shall ask the other Member States in writing;
(b) the executing Member State may take the initiative and inform the issuing Member State that the alert has
been matched and that the third-country national has not been granted entry or has been expelled from the
Schengen territory;
(c) If, on its territory, a Member State intercepts a third-country national for whom an alert has been issued,
the issuing Member State, upon request, shall forward the information required to return the person
concerned. Depending on the needs of the executing Member State and, if available at the issuing
Member State, this information, given in an M form, shall include the following:
— the type and reason for the decision,
— the authority issuing the decision,
— the date of the decision,
— the date of service (the date on which the decision was served),
( 34 ) According to Directive 2004/38/EC, a person benefiting from the right of free movement may only be refused entry or stay on the
grounds of public policy or public security when their personal conduct represents a genuine, immediate, and sufficiently serious
threat affecting one of the fundamental interests of society and when the other criteria laid down in Article 27(2) of this Directive are
respected. Article 27(2) stipulates: ‘Measures taken on grounds of public policy or public security shall comply with the principle of
proportionality and shall be based exclusively on the personal conduct of the individual concerned. Previous criminal convictions shall
not in themselves constitute grounds for taking such measures. The personal conduct of the individual concerned must represent a
genuine, present and sufficiently serious threat affecting one of the fundamental interests of society. Justifications that are isolated from
the particulars of the case or that rely on considerations of general prevention shall not be accepted.’ Moreover, there are additional
limitations for persons enjoying the right of permanent residence who can only be refused entry or stay on serious grounds of public
policy or public security as stated in Article 28(2) of the Directive.

---

EN
15.7.2011 Official
Journal
of
the
European
Union L
186/31
— the date of enforcement,
— the date on which the decision expires or the length of validity.
If a person on whom an alert has been issued is intercepted at the border, the procedures set out in the
Schengen Borders Code, and by the issuing Member State, shall be followed.
There might also be an urgent need for supplementary information to be exchanged via the SIRENE bureaux in
specific cases in order to identify an individual with certainty.
4.6.2. Exchange
of
information
when
issuing
residence
permits
or
visas
The following procedure shall apply:
(a) the executing Member State may inform the Member State which issued an alert for refusal of entry or stay
that the alert has been matched in the course of the procedure for issuing a residence permit or a long-stay
visa;
(b) the Member State that issued the alert may then inform other Member States using an M form, if
appropriate;
(c) if so requested, in accordance with national legislation, the SIRENE bureaux of the Member States
concerned may assist in transmitting the necessary information to the appropriate authorities responsible
for issuing residence permits and visas.
4.6.3. Special
procedures
as
provided
for
in
Article
25
of
the
Schengen
Convention
4.6.3.1. Procedure
under
Article
25(1) of
the
Schengen
Convention
If a Member State that is considering granting a residence permit or long-stay visa discovers that the applicant
concerned is the subject of an alert for refusal of entry or stay issued by another Member State, it shall consult
with the Member State that issued the alert via the SIRENE bureaux. An N form shall be used for that purpose.
The alert shall be deleted if, after consultation, the Member State maintains its decision to issue the residence
permit. The person can, nevertheless, be put on a Member State’s national list of alerts for refusal of entry.
4.6.3.2. Procedure
under
Article
25(2) of
the
Schengen
Convention
If a Member State that entered an alert for refusal of entry or stay finds out that the person who is the subject
of the alert has been issued a residence permit or long-stay visa, it shall instigate a consultation procedure with
the Member State that issued the residence permit or long-stay visa, via the SIRENE Bureaux using an O form.
The consultation via SIRENE bureaux using an O form shall also take place if the Member State that issued the
residence permit or long-stay visa discovers later that there is an alert for refusal of entry or stay in the SIS on
that person ( 35 ).
If a third Member State (i.e. neither the one which granted the residence permit or long-stay visa nor the one
which issued the alert) discovers that there is an alert on a third-country national that holds a residence permit
or long-stay visa from one of the Member States, it shall notify both the Member State which granted the
permit or long-stay visa and the Member State which issued the alert, via SIRENE bureaux using an H form.
If the procedure foreseen under Article 25 of the Schengen Convention entails deleting an alert for refusal of
entry or stay, the SIRENE bureaux shall, whilst respecting their national legislation, offer their support if so
requested.
4.6.4. Special
procedures
as
provided
for
in
Article
5(4)
of
the
Schengen
Borders
Code
4.6.4.1. Procedure
in
cases
falling
under
Article
5(4)(a)
of
the
Schengen
Borders
Code
According to Article 5(4)(a) of the Schengen Borders Code, a third-country national who is subject to an alert
for refusal of entry or stay and, at the same time, has a residence permit, long-stay visa or a re-entry visa
issued by one of the Member States, shall be allowed entry for transit purposes to the Member State which
( 35 ) In the case of alerts for refusal of entry issued for the family members of EU citizens, it is necessary to recall that it is not possible as a
matter of routine to consult SIS prior to issuing a residence card for such a person. Article 10 of the Directive 2004/38/EC lists the
necessary conditions for acquiring right of residence for more than 3 months in a host Member State by family members of Union
citizens who are third-country nationals. This list, which is exhaustive, does not allow for routine consultation of the SIS prior to the
issuing of residence cards. Article 27(3) of this Directive specifies that Member States may request, should they consider it essential,
information from other MS only regarding any previous police record (so, i.e. not all of the SIS data). Such enquiries shall not be made
as a matter of routine.

---

L 186/32
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
15.7.2011
issued the residence permit, long-stay visa or re-entry visa, when crossing a border in another Member State.
The entry may be refused if this Member State has issued a national alert for refusal of entry.
If the third-country national concerned tries to enter the Member State which has entered the alert into the SIS,
his/her entry may be refused by this Member State. However, at the request of the competent authority, the
SIRENE bureau of that Member State shall consult the SIRENE bureau of the Member State that issued the
residence permit using an O form in order to allow the competent authority to determine whether there are
sufficient reasons for withdrawing the residence permit. If the residence permit is not withdrawn, the alert in
the SIS shall be deleted but the person concerned may nevertheless be put on the national list of alerts for
refusal of entry.
If this person tries to enter the Member State that issued the residence permit, he/she shall be allowed entry into
the territory but the SIRENE bureau of that Member State, at the request of the competent authority, shall send
an O form to the SIRENE bureau of the Member State that issued the alert in order to enable the competent
authorities concerned to decide on withdrawal of the residence permit or long-stay visa or deletion of the alert.
If the third-country national concerned tries to enter a third Member State, which is neither the State that issued
the alert nor the one which granted the residence permit or long-stay visa, and the third Member State finds out
that there is an alert in the SIS on that person, although he/she has a residence permit or long-stay visa issued
by one of the Member States, it shall allow transit towards the Member State that issued the residence permit or
long-stay visa. The entry may be refused if this third Member State has put the person concerned on its national
list of alerts. In both cases, at the request of the competent authority, its SIRENE bureau shall send the SIRENE
Bureaux of the two Member States in question an H form informing them of the contradiction and requesting
that they consult each other in order to either delete the alert in the SIS or to withdraw the residence permit or
long-stay visa. It may also request to be informed of the result of any consultation.
4.6.4.2. Procedure
in
cases
falling
under
Article
5(4)(c)
of
the
Schengen
Borders
Code
According to Article 5(4)(c) a Member State may derogate from the principle that a person for whom an alert
for refusal of entry was issued shall be refused entry on humanitarian grounds, on grounds of national interest
or because of international obligations. At the request of the competent authority, the SIRENE bureau of the
Member State that allowed entry shall inform the SIRENE bureau of the issuing Member State thereof using an
H form.
4.7.
Exchange of information on a third-country national who is a beneficiary of the right of free
movement
Concerning a third-country national who is a beneficiary of the right of free movement within the meaning of
Directive 2004/38/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the right of citizens
of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States,
special rules shall apply ( 36 ).
4.7.1. Exchange
of
information
following
a
hit
If there is a hit on a third-country national who is a beneficiary of the right of free movement, the following
procedure shall be followed:
(a) at the request of the competent authority, the SIRENE bureau of the executing Member State shall
immediately contact the SIRENE bureau of the issuing Member State using a G form, in order to
obtain the information necessary to decide without delay on the action to be taken;
(b) upon receipt of a request for information, the SIRENE bureau of the issuing Member State shall immediately
start gathering the required information and send it as soon as possible to the SIRENE bureau of the
executing Member State;
(c) the SIRENE bureau of the issuing Member State shall check with the competent authority, if this
information is not yet available, whether the alert may be kept in accordance with Directive 2004/38/EC.
If the competent authority decides to keep the alert, the SIRENE Bureau of the Member State issuing the
alert shall inform all the other SIRENE bureaux thereof, by means of an M form;
(d) the executing Member State shall inform via its SIRENE bureau the SIRENE bureau of the issuing Member
State whether the requested action was carried out (confirming this by using an M form) or not (using an
H form).
( 36 ) See footnote 34.

---

EN
15.7.2011 Official
Journal
of
the
European
Union L
186/33
4.7.2.
Exchange of information if, in the absence of a hit, a Member State discovers that there is an alert for refusal of entry for a
third-country national who is a beneficiary of the right of free movement
If, in the absence a hit, a Member State discovers that there is an alert for refusal of entry for a third-country
national who is a beneficiary of the right of free movement, the SIRENE bureau of this Member State shall, at
the request of the competent authority, send an M form to the SIRENE bureau of the issuing Member State
informing it about this.
The SIRENE bureau of the issuing Member State shall check with the competent authority, if this information is
not yet available, whether the alert may be kept in accordance with Directive 2004/38/EC. If the competent
authority decides to keep the alert, the SIRENE Bureau of the Member State issuing the alert shall inform all the
other SIRENE bureaux thereof, by means of an M form.
4.8. Deletion
of
alerts
entered
for
EU
citizens
When a third-country national for whom an alert for refusal of entry or stay has been issued, acquires
citizenship of one of the Member States ( 37 ), the alert shall be deleted. If the change of citizenship comes to
the attention of a SIRENE bureau of a country other than the issuing one, the former shall send the SIRENE
bureau of the issuing Member State a J form, in accordance with the procedure for rectification and deletion of
data found to be legally or factually inaccurate (see Section 2.5).
4.9. Informing
the
Schengen
Member
States
if
an
alert
is
matched
The SIRENE bureaux of Member States that have issued alerts under Article 96 shall not necessarily be
informed of any hits as a matter of course but shall be informed in exceptional circumstances if supplementary
information is required in accordance with Sections 4.6 to 4.8. (See also Section 2.2.1 (g)).
However, SIRENE bureaux shall provide statistics on those hits.
5. ALERTS
PURSUANT
TO
ARTICLE
97
( 38 )
The following steps have to be considered:
— check for multiple alerts, reference is made to General Procedures Section 2.1,
— at the request of another Member State add a Flag,
— the exchange of information after a hit,
— misused identity, reference is made to General Procedures Section 2.8,
— SIRPIT procedure, reference is made to the General Procedures Section 2.10,
5.1. Flagging
See general procedures in Section 2.15.
5.2. Provision
of
descriptive
detail
on
missing
minors
and
other
persons
assessed
as
being
at
risk
SIRENE bureaux shall have ready access to all relevant supplementary information at national level regarding
missing person alerts in order for the SIRENE bureaux to be able to play a full role in reaching a successful
outcome to cases, facilitating identification of the person and providing supplementary information promptly
on matters linked to the case. Relevant supplementary information may cover, in particular, national decisions
on the custody of a child or vulnerable person or requests for the use of ‘Child Alert’ mechanisms.
In the case of a high-risk missing person, field 083 of the M form should begin with the word ‘urgent’. This
urgency should be reinforced by a telephone call highlighting the importance of the M form and its urgent
nature.
( 37 ) Citizens of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland enjoy the right of free movement equivalent to those of citizens of the
European Union under agreements between the Community and its Member States, on the one hand, and these countries, on the
other.
( 38 ) Missing persons or persons who, for their own protection or in order to prevent threats, need temporarily to be placed under police
protection.

---

L 186/34
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
15.7.2011
As field 083 of the M form has limited technical capacity for holding information, a common method for
entering structured supplementary information and the order of that information shall be used ( 39 ).
As not all vulnerable missing persons will cross national borders, decisions on the provision of supplementary
information (on descriptive detail) and its recipients shall be taken on a case-by-case basis, covering the entire
range of circumstances. Following a decision at national level on the extent of forwarding required for such
supplementary information, the SIRENE bureau shall, as far as is appropriate, take one of the following
measures:
(a) retain the information in order to be able to forward supplementary information upon the request of
another Member State;
(b) forward the M form to the competent SIRENE bureau if enquiries indicate a likely destination for the
missing person;
(c) forward the M form to all the competent SIRENE bureaux, based on the disappearance circumstances for
the purpose of supplying all data concerning the person in a short period of time.
Once information has been received by a SIRENE bureau, it shall, in order to maximise the opportunities for
locating the person in a targeted and reasoned fashion, be communicated, as far as is appropriate, to:
(a) relevant border posts;
(b) the competent administrative and police authorities for the location and protection of persons;
(c) the relevant consular authorities of the Member State which has entered the alert, after a hit is found in the
SIS.
5.3. After
a
hit
For general procedures see Section 2.2.
When a hit is achieved on a missing person who is of age, the SIRENE bureau of the Member State achieving a
hit shall advise the end-user that the communication of data on a missing person who is of age shall be subject
to the person’s consent ( 40 ). The consent shall be in writing or at least a written record shall be available. In
cases where consent is refused, this shall be in writing or recorded officially. For communicating further
information see procedure in Section 2.2.2.
6. ALERTS
PURSUANT
TO
ARTICLE
98
( 41 )
The following steps have to be considered:
— Check for multiple alerts, reference is made to General Procedures Section 2.1,
— enter the alert into the SIS,
— the exchange of information after a hit,
— misused identity, reference is made to General Procedures Section 2.8,
— SIRPIT procedure, reference is made to the General Procedures Section 2.10,
( 39 ) Data of disappearance:
(a) Place, date and time of the disappearance.
(b) Circumstances of disappearance.
Details of the missing person:
(c) Apparent age.
(d) Height.
(e) Skin colour.
(f) Colour and shape of hair.
(g) Colour of eyes.
(h) Other physical details (i.e. piercings, deformations, amputations, tattoos, marks, scars, etc.).
(i) Psychological particulars: at risk of suicide, mental illness, aggressive behaviour, etc.
(j) Other details: necessary medical treatment, etc.
(k) Clothes worn at the time of the disappearance.
(l) Photograph: available or not.
(m) Ante-mortem form: available or not.
Related information:
(n) Person/s who could accompany him or her (and Schengen ID if available).
(o) Vehicle/s relating to the case (and Schengen ID if available).
The titles of the different sub fields themselves are not to be included as part of field 83, but just the reference letter.
( 40 ) For clarity on consent in matters of on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free
movement of such data see Article 2(h) Directive 95/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 281, 22.11.1995,
p. 31).
( 41 ) Data on witnesses, persons summoned to appear before the judicial authorities in connection with criminal proceedings.

---

EN
15.7.2011 Official
Journal
of
the
European
Union L
186/35
6.1. After
a
hit
For general procedures see Section 2.2.
In addition, the following rules shall apply:
(a) the place of residence or domicile shall be obtained using all measures allowed by the national legislation of
the Member State where the person was located;
(b) national procedures shall be in place, as appropriate, to ensure that alerts are only kept in the SIS for the
time required to meet the purposes for which they were supplied.
The SIRENE bureaux may transmit further information on Article 98 alerts, and in so doing may act on behalf
of judicial authorities if this information falls within the scope of mutual judicial assistance.
7. ALERTS
PURSUANT
TO
ARTICLE
99
( 42 )
The following steps have to be considered:
— check for multiple alerts, reference is made to General Procedures Section 2.1,
— at the request of another Member State add a Flag,
— the exchange of information after a hit,
— SIRPIT procedure, reference is made to General Procedures Section 2.10.
7.1. Entering
an
alias
See general procedure in Section 2.9.
Inform the other Member States of aliases regarding an alert issued pursuant to Article 99 by means of an M
form. Whenever needed, the SIRENE bureaux shall transmit this information to their national authorities
responsible for each category of alert.
7.2. Informing
other
Member
States
when
issuing
alerts
requested
by
authorities
responsible
for
national
security
When entering an alert at the request of an authority responsible for national security, the SIRENE bureau of
the issuing Member State shall inform all the other SIRENE bureaux about it by using an M form and
indicating Article 99(3) in field 083.
The confidentiality of certain information shall be safeguarded in accordance with national law, including
keeping contact between the SIRENE bureaux separate from any contact between the services responsible
for national security.
7.3. Flagging
See general procedure in Section 2.15.
7.4. Communicating
further
information
following
a
hit
For Article 99(2) alerts see general procedure in Section 2.2.
In addition, the following procedure shall apply:
(a) when a positive hit occurs on an Article 99(3) alert, the discovering SIRENE bureau shall inform the
requesting SIRENE bureau of the results (discreet surveillance or specific check) via the G form. At the
same time the discovering SIRENE bureau shall inform its own competent service responsible for national
security;
(b) if the national security service in the discovering Member State decides that the alert requires a validity flag,
it shall contact its national SIRENE bureau in order to create the flag with the requesting SIRENE bureau
(via the F form). It shall not be required to explain the reasons for the flag, but the request shall be made
through SIRENE channels;
(c) a specific procedure is required to safeguard the confidentiality of information. Therefore, any contact
between the services responsible for national security shall be kept separate from the contact between
the SIRENE bureaux. Consequently, the reasons for requesting a flag shall be discussed directly between
national security services and not through SIRENE bureaux.
( 42 ) Persons or vehicles for the purpose of discreet surveillance or of other specific checks.

---

L 186/36
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
15.7.2011
8. ALERTS
PURSUANT
TO
ARTICLE
100
( 43 )
The following steps shall be considered:
— check for multiple alerts,
— the exchange of information after a hit,
— SIRPIT procedure, reference is made to General Procedures Section 2.10.
8.1. Vehicle
alerts
pursuant
to
Article
100
8.1.1. Checking
for
multiple
alerts
on
a
vehicle
The mandatory identity description elements for alerts on a vehicle are:
— the registration/number plate, and/or
— the vehicle identification number (VIN).
Both numbers may feature in the SIS.
Checks for multiple alerts are made by comparing numbers. If, when entering a new alert, it is found that the
same serial number and/or registration plate number already exist in the SIS, it is assumed that the new alert
will result in multiple alerts on the same vehicle. However, this method of verification is effective only where
the description elements used are the same. Comparison is therefore not always possible.
The SIRENE bureau shall draw the national users’ attention to the problems which may arise where only one of
the numbers has been compared. A positive response does not mean automatically that there is a hit, and a
negative response does not mean that there is no alert on the vehicle.
The identity description elements used for establishing whether two vehicle entries are identical are detailed in
Annex 6 to this Manual.
The consultation procedures to be applied by the SIRENE bureaux for vehicles shall be the same as for persons.
For general procedures see Section 2.1.
The SIRENE bureau of the Member State issuing an alert shall maintain a record of any requests to enter a
further alert which, after consultation, have been rejected by virtue of the provisions given above, until the alert
is deleted.
8.1.2. VIN
Twins
VIN twin refers to a vehicle of the same type with the same vehicle identification number (VIN) as a vehicle
entered in the SIS (e.g. a tractor and a motorcycle with the same VIN do not fall into this category). The
following specific rules shall apply to avoid the negative consequences of a repeated seizure of the legally
registered vehicle with the same VIN.
The following procedure shall apply:
(1) where the possibility of a VIN twin is established, the SIRENE bureau shall, as appropriate:
(a) ensure that there is no error in the SIS alert and the alert information is as complete as possible;
(b) check the circumstances of the case giving rise to an alert in the SIS;
(c) find out the history of both vehicles from their production;
(d) request a thorough check of the seized vehicle, in particular its VIN, to verify whether it is the legally
registered vehicle.
The SIRENE bureaux involved shall closely cooperate in taking such measures.
( 43 ) Objects sought for the purpose of seizure or use as evidence in criminal proceedings.

---

EN
15.7.2011 Official
Journal
of
the
European
Union L
186/37
(2) where the existence of a VIN twin is confirmed, supplementary information provided by the Member State
creating the original alert, by means of the M form, shall include, as appropriate, the marks describing the
legally registered vehicle and distinguishing it from the vehicle entered in the SIS ( 44 );
(3) furthermore, on becoming aware of a case of a VIN twin, the issuing Member State shall check whether it is
necessary to maintain the alert in the SIS.
8.2. Communicating
further
information
following
a
hit
The SIRENE bureaux may transmit further information on alerts entered under Article 100, and in so doing
may act on behalf of judicial authorities, if this information falls within the scope of mutual judicial assistance.
The SIRENE bureau of the issuing Member State shall send the requested further information as quickly and
comprehensively as possible via a P form, in response to a G form when a hit is obtained on an alert issued
on a vehicle pursuant to Article 100 of the Schengen Convention.
(NB: Given that the request is urgent and that it will therefore not be possible to collate all the information
immediately, it is agreed that certain headings will be optional rather than obligatory, and that efforts will be
made to collate the information relating to the main headings, e.g.: 041, 042, 043, 162, 164, 165, 166 and
167).
9. STATISTICS
Once a year the SIRENE bureaux shall provide hit, communication and workload statistics. The statistics shall
cover all the Articles and all types of alerts. The statistics report shall be sent electronically to the General
Secretariat of the Council.
( 44 ) Such supplementary may include:
(a) Vehicle number plate details
(b) Category of vehicle, make of vehicle, model of vehicle, colour
(c) Other easily recognisable distinguishing features or details
(d) Full details of the owner
(e) Serial number of vehicle registration document.

---