NCJ Number
113522
Journal
Current Municipal Problems Volume: 14 Issue: 4 Dated: (1988) Pages: 435-441
Date Published
1988
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article explains how police agencies can enhance community relations through an electronic bulletin board (EBB) that receives written comment from the public, disseminates information, and solicits opinion.
Abstract
To obtain maximum public relations benefits of an EBB, a microcomputer, or personal computer (PC), with a hard-disk storage unit is needed. This article examines software for the IBM PC with attention to RBBS-PC, PCBoard, modems, and dedicated telephone lines. The three sections of the EBB are explained: (1) bulletins or static messages from the system operator, such as stolen car lists or crime summaries; (2) message bases which allow users to leave a message for the system operator, another user, or to all users of the EBB; (3) files system which allow users to share files. Police departments who establish EBBs should advertise the service through press conferences and flyers.