NCJ Number
141977
Journal
Evaluation Review Volume: 17 Issue: 2 Dated: (April 1993) Pages: 182-203
Date Published
1993
Length
22 pages
Annotation
An analysis of the impact of the use of mobile digital terminals (MDTs) in police patrol cars in Fort Worth, Texas, found little data to support a conclusion that MDTs had a significant impact on automobile theft clearances.
Abstract
In addition, although recoveries were affected slightly, this effect occurred only in terms of the trend following the introduction of the MDTs. These MDTs are a computer technology that enable patrol officers to communicate directly with remote crime information databases. The Fort Worth police department implemented an MDT system in 1985, arguing that MDTs would improve vehicle theft clearances and recoveries. The impacts of the MDTs were analyzed using an interrupted time series design, with implementation of MDTs considered the intervention. Data from monthly reports of motor vehicle thefts, clearances, and recovery rates from 1980 to 1990 were examined, modeled using ARIMA or regression analysis and fitted with an intervention component to determine the impact of the MDT technology. Overall, results did not meet the earlier expectations and suggested that the major benefits that MDTs offer police agencies are improvements in police communications and, possibly, response time. Figures, tables, and 30 references