NCJ Number
184
Date Published
1968
Length
94 pages
Annotation
CHANGES IN COMMUNICATIONS AND RECORDS IN THE BOSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT ARE RECOMMENDED BASED ON ANALYSES OF PRESENT CAPABILITIES AND FUTURE REQUIREMENTS.
Abstract
THE PRESENT REPORTING SYSTEM ACHIEVES EFFECTIVENESS AT GREAT COST IN MANPOWER AND TIME. THE RECORDS DEPARTMENT HAS INADEQUATE CENTRAL RECORDS. THE PRESENT COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM IS INADEQUATE AND ARCHAIC. THE DEPARTMENT IS COMMITTED TO INSTALLING A COMPUTER SYSTEM FOR ROUTINE DATA PROCESSING. A STANDARDIZED HIERARCHIAL REPORTING SYSTEM IS RECOMMENDED. A CENTRAL RECORDS SECTION SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED WITH A PURGE SYSTEM TO ELIMINATE OUTDATED INFORMATION. AN EVALUATION OF COMMUNICATIONS INDICATE THAT, WHILE THEY ARE RELIABLE, THEY ARE FUNCTIONALLY OUTMODED AND INEFFICIENT. PHASING IN NEW EQUIPMENT OVER A PERIOD OF YEARS WOULD MODERNIZE COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS. A COMMAND AND CONTROL CENTER COULD THEN ASSUME CONTROL AND DISSEMINATE DATA WITHOUT THE PRESENT DELAYS. THE COMPUTER FACILITY COULD BE EXPANDED TO PROVIDE CONTROL OF POLICE FIELD OPERATIONS. ESTIMATES OF PRESENT COSTS AND PROJECTED EQUIPMENT OUTLAYS ARE GIVEN.