NCJ Number
130532
Date Published
1991
Length
101 pages
Annotation
This study describes how automation technology will impact the taking of in-field crime reports by the year 2000, a process that now occupies between 20 and 50 percent of field officers' time. Automation systems consist either of live entry through a computer operator or report generation through laptop portable computers.
Abstract
Based upon a literature review, questionnaire, and selected personal interviews, 7 trends that will increase over the next 10 years were identified: public funding, crime analysis programs, quality of police service, police officer availability, volume of calls for service, use of computer-aided dispatch system, and quality of police reports. High probability events that would influence law enforcement include a legal challenge to the use of automated reports, a major recession, and computer technology eliminating the need for computer literacy. Normative, exploratory, and hypothetical scenarios were developed from the forecast data. A strategic management plan was developed around a hypothetical city; a situational analysis identified the strengths and weaknesses of the city police department. Policy recommendations focused on audits and controls to prevent abuse and a phased-in implementation process. A transition management team was outlined to consist of a high ranking member of the police department and members of major constituencies. Implementation techniques included responsibility charting, vision communication, and milestone recognition. Future areas for research included the financial situation in California, the use of stylus computer technology in law enforcement, and the move toward reliable voice activated computer technology. 6 tables, 19 appendixes, and 6 notes