NCJ Number
69905
Date Published
1976
Length
57 pages
Annotation
In response to a request for technical assistance from the Lexington-Fayette (KY) Urban County Chief of Police, a study was made of the police division's recordkeeping system for criminal records and operational activities.
Abstract
An analysis of the records system reveals a multiplicity of report forms, a lack of forms control, a lack of uniformity between related departmental units, duplication, and multiple numbering systems. The absence of a centralized and formalized system of forms control is identified as the most important recordkeeping problem. The major recommendation regarding this area is the assignment of specific person(s) in the planning division to the responsibility of reviewing and approving all plans for forms design, revision, or modification. The study examines in detail a total of 25 reports and records and makes recommendations for consolidation, revision, continued use, or elimination. Some of the forms studied include the dispatch card, the daily bulletin, the missing person report, vehicle impounding record, traffic accident report, arrest record, case summary sheet, field investigation card, and the criminal intelligence information report. Specific recommendations for a centralized records system are described in a separate section. The appendix includes examples of report forms.