NCJ Number
69906
Date Published
1976
Length
53 pages
Annotation
This request for technical assistance for LEAA by the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Division of Police (Ky.) identifies the needs to be met before improving Division services with utilization of electronic data processing technology.
Abstract
A review was conducted of the division's information capabilities, goals, information needs for both patrol and management, and the data being collected. The Division shares time on the city-county computer system, but would like to acquire a minicomputer dedicated to police use. Yet the Division's problems relate not only to information system needs, but also to the lack of specific goals and definitions in its information plans. The Division is also attempting to develop an automated information system without having first an operational manual system. Thus, the review revealed that the Division should continue to define and classify its goals. The planning staff should become familiar with current police information systems literature, and staff members should conduct onsite reviews of other city-county police agencies. A master plan should be developed, with goals in quantifiable terms to measure success or failure. Questions should be formulated that the proposed information system will ask, and hopefully, answer, such as--What is the nature of the crime problem, its magnitude, and its trend over time? or--What should the agency's norms of performance be? Data elements necessary to answer the questions should be defined. Next, a manual information system should be implemented, as it is easier to train personnel and operate, and is less expensive to test and revise. After the manual system is operational, automation should be tested to see if it has a good cost-benefit ratio. Data collection forms and procedures must be devised, office procedures and processing must be tested, and data-use training must be established for management, planning, staff, and operational personnel. Appendixes both provide additional materials for discussion regarding the implementation of information systems for police departments and compare data elements.