NCJ Number
194620
Date Published
2001
Length
33 pages
Annotation
This report summarizes the benefits of having an integrated criminal justice information system where information can be shared between agencies and between State, local, and national levels of government.
Abstract
The seamless sharing of criminal justice information between many agencies makes good sense. Yet, leadership, money and commitment are fundamental components of successful systems. All of the appropriate stakeholders need to have a unified vision and understanding of the project's scope. This will allow agencies to identify potential obstacles to integration before they begin, and have a very specific action plan that indicates at what points and with whom information will be shared. Having accurate data available allows for proactive policing, and reduces redundant data entry and errors. Providing critical information to an officer allows for him/her to be able to make appropriate decisions. In the case of a sex offender who is stopped on school grounds, it would be advantageous for an officer to have access to the detained person's parole conditions, and if appropriate, arrest the offender for violating parole. Three States studied are at the cutting edge of development and involved their legislatures in the process. Colorado, Kansas, and Minnesota were selected. Overall, streamlining multiple single-agency systems allows for improved efficiency and a higher quality of justice operations. List of resources, and web sites