NCJ Number
150948
Date Published
1994
Length
53 pages
Annotation
After describing Internet, a global network of computer networks, this paper examines the extent to which police agencies are currently using Internet and proposes ways in which police could use it.
Abstract
Internet has approximately 13,300 networks and approximately 2 million addresses. It spans the globe, touching approximately 140 countries. Among the main functions of the Internet are to provide storage places for information, network news, and communication in the form of e-mail. Relatively few police agencies are currently using the Internet. Police agencies could use Internet for police- to-police information exchange on the topics of unclassified police procedures or technical matters; for example, Internet could facilitate the sharing of information about forensic research with colleagues around the world, as well as information on other types of policing techniques. Internet could also provide a medium for the exchange of general police information with the public. Public opinion surveys on various policing policies and practices could be conducted through Internet. A third type of police use of Internet could be the sharing of criminal and safety information with the public, notably, missing persons reports, general crime alerts, and requests for public assistance in solving particular crimes. Internet could also be used to establish a repository for proven techniques of investigation and procedure on a worldwide scale. Encryption could be used to limit access to this information. Other police uses of Internet could be for reaching "experts" worldwide and for promoting police fraternity and camaraderie. A 5-item bibliography and a computer diskette