NCJ Number
169697
Journal
Telemasp Bulletin Volume: 1 Issue: 8 Dated: (November 1994) Pages: complete issue
Date Published
1994
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This bulletin presents findings from a 1994 survey to determine the current state of Information Management Systems used by Texas law enforcement agencies.
Abstract
In July 1994 surveys were mailed to 195 law enforcement agencies in the State, including sheriff's departments, with 25 or more sworn personnel. A total of 79 surveys were returned. The questionnaire contained questions on computer software and hardware, the capability of current systems for managing various types of information, preferences for using a unified system, and satisfaction with the current system and plans for upgrading. Although respondents' information management systems varied somewhat, they had many elements in common. Most agencies (86 percent) relied on stand-alone personal computers for their information management systems. Sizes and brands of computers varied, but many of the agencies used IBM or IBM-compatible equipment and hardware of moderate computing capacity (286-386). Approximately 90 percent of the agencies used software for arrest or crime records, stolen property, Uniform Crime Reports, victim- witness information, and name indexing. Respondents reported that if they were offered a unified system with various functions, they would be most interested in having general records management, jail and booking records management, and evidence and property management as part of the system, followed closely by interagency communication and exchange capabilities. Most respondents (66 percent) were "very satisfied" or "satisfied" with their current information management systems; however, most were interested in improving existing systems to provide more efficient and effective law enforcement. 10 tables