NCJ Number
45232
Date Published
1977
Length
117 pages
Annotation
A COMPUTER-BASED DATA SYSTEM DESIGNED TO HELP LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES IN ORANGE COUNTY, CALIF., DEAL WITH THE PROBLEM OF MULTIJURISDICTIONAL BURGLARS IS EVALUATED.
Abstract
THE 45-MONTH LEAA-FUNDED PROJECT HAD AS ITS GOAL THE DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT, AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A DATA SYSTEM TO PROVIDE ORANGE COUNTY POLICE WITH INFORMATION USEFUL IN THE PREVENTION OF BURGLARIES, THE CLEARANCE OF COMMITTED BURGLARIES, AND THE APPREHENSION OF BURGLARY SUSPECTS. THE SYSTEM THAT EVOLVED IS AN ONLINE PAWN FILE, WHICH MAINTAINS INFORMATION ON STOLEN GUNS, OFFICE EQUIPMENT, AND ELECTRONIC RECORDING APPLIANCES BROUGHT TO PAWN STORES. THE PROJECT EVALUATION IS BASED ON INTERVIEWS WITH SYSTEM USERS, ONSITE VISITS, REVIEW OF PROJECT DOCUMENTS, AND MAIL SURVEYS OF INVESTIGATORS AND EXECUTIVES IN ORANGE COUNTY POLICE AGENCIES. IT IS CONCLUDED THAT THE PROJECT HAS MADE A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO INCREASING POLICE PRODUCTIVITY IN ORANGE COUNTY AT A REASONABLE COST, HAS PROVIDED A USEFUL INVESTIGATIVE TOOL, AND IS DESERVING OF CONTINUED SUPPORT. DETAILS OF THE EVALUATION ACTIVITIES AND FINDINGS ARE PRESENTED TOGETHER WITH SUPPORTING DATA AND DOCUMENTATION. PROJECT EXPERIENCES RELEVANT TO THE PLANNING OF REGIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT PROGRAMS ARE NOTED.