NCJ Number
95712
Date Published
1985
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This executive summary highlights the principal uses of microcomputers in criminal justice agencies, system requirements, and the ways that computerization can help bureaucracies cope with a large volume of written communications.
Abstract
After outlining the contents of the full report, the summary reviews the four main uses of microcomputers in criminal justice agencies. First, microcomputers allow agencies to network with mainframe data base systems such as the National Criminal Justice Information Center (NCIC), the Uniform Crime Reports (UCR), and data management systems developed by the Bureau of Justice Statistics and the International Association of Chiefs of Police. A second application of microcomputer technology lies in the management of revenues, resources, and personnel through software such as spreadsheets, electronic accounting, inventory management and personnel records systems, and statistical packages. Third, microcomputers can be adapted to many different field reporting functions. Finally, the microcomputer opens a vast array of information systems to the user. Types of such networking services described include information utilities, encyclopedia data bases, news and business information data bases, computer bulletin boards, electronic shopping, computerized conferencing, and telecommunicating. The summary reviews the applications of computer-assisted writing and word processing to organizational communications problems, as well as equipment required for telecommunications, characteristics of printers, and factors to consider before purchasing computer equipment. Four references and three sources of additional information are supplied.