NCJ Number
83075
Date Published
Unknown
Length
0 pages
Annotation
A crime analysis unit representative from Springfield, Mo., outlines the features of the unit's file system and suggests how other crime analysis units can establish similar information files.
Abstract
The two most important files are the name file and the field information report (FIR) file, which keeps track of all career criminals' offenses (their movement, location, associates, etc.). All files are used to support police patrol functions. FIR's, which are based on information supplied by patrol officers, are further broken down by license numbers and computer checks are run on all licenses; an index of licenses is then broken down by automobile make and color. About five or six FIR's are issued each day. The burglary and arrest files are maintained in their original form, and updates are issued periodically. File system use will benefit from the upcoming automation since file checks done manually are time-consuming. A simple microprocessor will be employed, and police will be trained in how to use the equipment to access the files themselves. Another file is the known offender biography file, which contains information on offenders' blood type and hair samples. The unit depends on the cooperation of patrol officers in supplying information for the files. To develop a similar system, other units should begin by obtaining information from patrol officers and then set up a master index from which other files are developed. The files are arranged by primary color. Officers maintain their own known offender notebooks which are updated periodically by the analysis unit.