08/02/2008 (Agence Europe) - Almost 23 million pieces of data are currently recorded in the Schengen Information System (SIS), with around 95% relating to objects and 5% to people, according to EU Council statistics on the database in a document dated 30 January. The SIS is a joint electronic database linking the 24member states which have signed the Schengen Agreements (see EUROPE 9570). It has been in operation since 1995 and allows competent authorities (police, customs officers, judicial authorities) to have immediate access to information put into the system thanks to an automated search procedure. This information may relate to individuals (for example, someone who has disappeared or who is being sought, or non-nationals who do not have right of entry) or objects (stolen cars, stolen weapons, counterfeit banknotes, lost or stolen documents). (B.C.)