The information available through this pilot project has been accessible to law enforcement for many years but now canbe accessed in a manner that allows them to react to threats quickly. Much of the information is available to the public upon request, and some may be accessed through the Internet. Some states have public records laws that provide criminal history records to the public. There is no new collection effort involved. No criminal intelligence databases are being connected.

The laws governing access to public record information in each state address what data is made available. Database applications and exchange of information through this pilot project are structured to be in compliance with the laws of each participating state and by policy; the participating state representatives agreed the MATRIX project capabilities could only be used in pursuit of criminal investigative matters.