NCJ Number
131320
Date Published
Unknown
Length
128 pages
Annotation
This study examines and develops the role of the Scottish Criminal Record Office (SCRO) Computer System in the investigation of crime.
Abstract
The SCRO computer system centralizes all Scottish criminal records and is managed and maintained by the Scottish Criminal Record Office, a common police service located in the Strathclyde Police Headquarters in Glasgow. It provides update and inquiry facilities at terminals in police forces throughout Scotland. A typical record contains nominal information (subject's name, age, birth date, occupation, and address); pending case information; descriptive information; and modus operandi. Prior to the introduction of the SCRO computer system on January 4, 1988, each force maintained conviction records for offenders residing within its jurisdiction. The Scottish Criminal Record Office maintained conviction records for all forces and for offenders within the Strathclyde police jurisdiction. This study found that the SCRO system has improved detection rates. There is an apparent lack of proper training in SCRO use in the SCRO facilities at the divisional level as there is a need for improved information submitted by officers for both input and inquiry. Benefits could be gained from the creation of a support service at the divisional level which would employ full-time highly trained civilian operators. Appended tabular data, study forms, 9 references, and a 44-item bibliography