NCJ Number
84167
Date Published
1977
Length
92 pages
Annotation
This study considers the feasibility of a pilot Interstate Transportation Index Service (ITIS) which would reduce interstate transportation costs incurred by States returning criminal defendants, convicts, and witnesses from sister States.
Abstract
It appears that the lack of interstate communication and coordination in scheduling fugitive returns is a major cause of both the excessive transportation costs and ineffective use of manpower. The proposed ITIS is intended to address this need. As now envisioned, the ITIS will consist of an operational computerized file interfaced with an appropriate nationwide telecommunications system. This service is designed to provide demanding law enforcement agencies with up-to-date information on the location and status of fugitives arrested in other States. Using locator information supplied by ITIS, these demanding agencies could plan combined trips or contract with each other for the interstate transportation of fugitives. The feasibility study examined attitudes, legal bases, fugitive volumes and costs, system design, and special studies. Findings show that the cost of transporting the large number of fugitives transferred between jurisdictions is very high and is borne entirely by the States and individual criminal justice jurisdictions. The project advisory board believes there is justification for the project to move into its next phase. It is believed that a small computer system at the National Sheriff's Association headquarters and linked to the National Law Enforcement Telecommunication System would provide the best central repository for ITIS data and would have the flexibility necessary to accommodate anticipated modifications. Tabular and graphic data are provided.