NCJ Number
229588
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 57 Issue: 11 Dated: November 2009 Pages: 70-74
Date Published
November 2009
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article describes crucial steps in Web site development for law enforcement agencies.
Abstract
While the majority of law enforcement agencies do have Web sites, many are poorly designed and have been left unattended since their creation. Many existing sites require an update or complete redesign. When assessing the needs of a department's Web site, first examine the existing site to determine if a complete replacement is needed or just updated and augmented. After reviewing the current Web site, the next step is to plan out the general architecture of the site. The key to any good Web site is a solid architectural design that is well-organized and well-planned. The next step is to get in contact with a web designer, followed by choosing a design layout. The design layout is followed by the selection of the text color, font, and size with a recommendation that all text be in one simple color, such as black. An agency must establish a small group of personnel that are charged with maintaining and updating the Web site. Once the site is up and running and personnel are trained to do daily maintenance, the last step is to choose a Web hosting company. The Web host maintains the server for the site and conducts general maintenance and updates. Police Web sites are viewed as a bridge between the police and the people they serve.