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ANALYSIS OF THE IDAHO COURTS INFORMATION SYSTEM

NCJ Number
15750
Author(s)
E H SHORT; J A GAINEY; W POPP; B HOFFMAN
Date Published
1974
Length
49 pages
Annotation

REVISIONS IN THE IDAHO CASELOAD ANALYSIS SUPPORT SYSTEM (CLASS) ARE SUGGESTED TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY AND TO FACILITATE PUBLICATION OF ITS FIRST ANNUAL REPORT.

Abstract

CLASS IS A GOOD FIRST-CUT STATISTICAL SYSTEM. HOWEVER, THE MAIN PROBLEMS ARE THE HIGH NUMBER OF INPUT ERRORS (UP TO 48 PERCENT IN AT LEAST ONE COUNTY) AND THE DIFFICULTY IN READING OUTPUT REPORTS. CLASS SHOULD SIMPLIFY ITS REPORTS AND HIRE A COORDINATOR TO INSTRUCT INPUT CLERKS IN CORRECT CODING PROCEDURE. THE HARDWARE FACILITIES SHOULD BE CHANGED FROM THE STATE AUDITOR'S COMPUTER TO A DEDICATED MINI-COMPUTER. CASE AND OFFENDER TRACKING CAPABILITIES SHOULD BE ADDED. THE APPENDIXES INCLUDE REVISED REPORT FORMATS, A THEORETICAL MODEL OF A CASE TRACKING SYSTEM, AND A COMPARISON OF THE ADVANTAGES OF USING A MINI-COMPUTER VERSUS RENTING COMPUTER TIME. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)