NCJ Number
77459
Date Published
1979
Length
0 pages
Annotation
Narrator Raymond Burr explains how new equipment and systems developed by scientific technology help law enforcement agencies and personnel to be more effective and efficient in conducting criminal investigations, management functions, and crime prevention.
Abstract
Different types of equipment and their functions are demonstrated, such as the neutron activation reactor located in San Diego, Calif., which helps investigators identify traces of metals in materials; a spectrophotometer, which breaks down the exact patterns of color and can be used to identify paint or grease; and voiceprints, which are used to identify people by their speaking patterns. Another new technique is electronography, which enables investigators to lift fingerprints off a dead body. In addition, the command, control, and communication systems of police departments have been much improved by the use of innovative computer systems. The system used by the use of innovative computer systems. The system used by the Chicago Police Department (Illinois), shown as an example, contains elaborate overload and emergency equipment. The Law Enforcement Teletype System (LETTS) allows police agencies across the country to communicate very quickly with each other and to receive information from other jurisdictions on suspects. Other examples of computer application systems are shown, including those of Los Angeles, Kansas City, and Philadelphia. Even the foot patrol officer has benefited from technical innovation, with the creation of the Handy Talkie, a mobile transceiver used by patrol officers. These mobile systems are also called personal radio equipment police (PREP) systems. In addition, patrol vehicles are now equipped with teleprinters. Moreover, the nine-one-one (911) emergency telephone number system is now being implemented in all parts of the country. This system enables the caller to be directly connected to emergency serices and is considered much more efficient than past methods. Other innovations shown are the use of videotape filing systems and videotape recording systems, used in police management and correctional systems; electronic security systems; and the use of helicopters for surveillance and security. The narrator notes that the only type of crime not amenable to technical or scientific prevention methods is the crime of passion.