NCJ Number
185934
Date Published
March 2001
Length
70 pages
Annotation
A product of the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC), this document is a guide intended to help law enforcement agencies in their efforts to develop and enhance their information systems.
Abstract
This guide is organized around the key components of an information technology project plan, specifically, application software, network/hardware, and mobile data computing. Pointers are also provided on developing a Request for Proposal (RFP) and evaluating the responses. The guide concentrates on several types of information technologies for law enforcement, including computer-aided dispatch/records management system (CAD/RMS) software, geographic information systems (GIS), crime mapping systems, and mobile computing. These were chosen as necessary building blocks of sound law enforcement operations. Other critical applications include: Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS), National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS), and digital photographic files. Today, law enforcement agencies have more technologies available to them than ever before. With so many options available, the questions about what information technology (IT) solutions are right for an agency can be overwhelming. This guide developed as a result of NLECTC, offers the law enforcement community a description of what information system technologies are currently available and information to help agencies determine how to incorporate them into their day-to-day business. It also explains the functions technology solutions provide, shows how they can be integrated, and provides key considerations in developing an implementation plan and a procurement strategy. Appendix