NCJ Number
72019
Date Published
1968
Length
75 pages
Annotation
Progress is reported concerning Phase I and Phase II of the Redondo Beach data requirements project, which has as its goal to significantly advance the data and information system practices of moderate-size police departments which do not have access to computers.
Abstract
The tasks which formed the basis of Phase I of the project were: (1) to ascertain the state-of-the-art of selected police department data systems and select candidate evaluation sites: (2) analyze the Redondo Beach Police Department data requirements and existing data system; and (3) design and develop an advanced data system for the Redondo Beach Police Department. A survey of the data system practices of 46 cities employing between 40 and 100 people in their police departments found a startling consistency in the inefficiendcy of current records practices. Under task 3, a noncomputer-based information system was designed for Redondo Beach with adaptability to mechanical processing techniques. This system revised precedures in data collection and data management through the use of event cards, fact sheets, warrant data collection, visual displays of charts and graphs, crime profile reports, total departmental activity reports, and watch reports. In Phase II of the project, the improved data system was evaluated in terms of effectivenes for Redondo Beach and for applicability to other small city police departments. Documentation for the project is contained in a set of eight separate reports.