NCJ Number
182989
Journal
Big Ideas For Smaller Police Departments Volume: 1 Issue: 1 Dated: 2000 Pages: 1-14
Date Published
2000
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This document discusses new technology acquisition for small police departments.
Abstract
The document presents a best practices guide for acquisition of new technology by small police departments. The article includes a definition of technology and a brief discussion of why small departments should invest in new technology. Three steps to successful acquisition of new technology include an Acquisition Plan, Acquisition and Delivery of the Technology and Implementation and Training. A successful acquisition plan includes Research Steps (developing a planning committee, reviewing compliance guidelines and developing a project budget) and Action Steps (choosing a spokesman or project manager, developing a mission statement, setting a goal and objectives, developing a timeline that includes milestones, completing a risk assessment, and gaining staff consensus). Acquisition and Delivery Research Steps involves determining vendor selection criteria, developing a request for proposals and selecting a vendor. Nine Action Steps at this point range from developing a delivery schedule to developing a payment schedule and purchasing the technology. Implementation and Training involves developing infrastructure support and a staff training schedule, writing a warranty and maintenance agreement and installing the equipment/technology.