NCJ Number
111355
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 55 Issue: 5 Dated: (May 1988) Pages: 23-48
Editor(s)
J R Vaughn
Date Published
1988
Length
26 pages
Annotation
Eight articles focus on the special applications of computers to police work.
Abstract
One article describes how the St. Petersburg Police Department (Florida) purchased and equipped its patrol cars with portable computers and cellular telephones, thereby increasing efficiency in report writing, communication, and information gathering. Another article reports on how the use of laptop computers and microcomputers improves data entry, keeps officers on the street and out of the office, and increases staff efficiency. The importance of competent systems analysis for evaluating computerized information systems is discussed in a third article. The article makes a strong case for developing competencies for system design and analysis from among the law enforcement staff. The intricacies of setting up mobile communications systems are discussed in two articles. These articles discuss information gathering, the use of consultants, grant and other funding sources, field testing, staff involvement and training, technical problems and how they can be solved, and how effective implementation can be carried out. The articles also discuss how the systems can be managed, reviewed, and evaluated once they are put in operation. For separate articles, see NCJ 111357-111362. ABI ja