PACTS

• NCJ Number: 191850
• Journal: Federal Probation Volume: 65 Issue: 2 Dated: September 2001 Pages: 25-30
• Author(s): Timothy P. Cadigan
• Editor(s): Ellen W. Fielding
• Date Published: 2001
• Length: 6 pages
• Sale Source: NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article investigates the Probation and Pretrial Services Automated Case Tracking System (PACTS) and describes the implementation process, benefits, and future potential of the PACTS system.

Abstract

PACTS was introduced in April 2000. This system is designed to keep track of cases and is used as a management tool. The benefits include the following: reduction in paper waste, making information more accessible, eliminating data redundancy, and increasing validation of data. Officers have more time to concentrate on actual police work and responding to victims rather than spending time on paper pushing. PACTS also increases the ability of law enforcement agencies to share information with one another. The Probation and Pretrial Services of Texas tested the new system. This study demonstrated that high cost could be avoided and productivity could increase. According to the author, having this “state-of-the-market case management system” is essential to improving future correctional services. 3 Tables