Arcadia Police Find a Cost-Effective Way to Computerize Records Management System

• NCJ Number: 122218
• Journal: Law and Order Volume: 37 Issue: 8 Dated: (August 1989) Pages: 71-74
• Author(s): R Sandona
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 4 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Program Description (Model)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

The Arcadia Police Department (California) has established a new records management system on an Altos multiuser computer at a cost of only $55,000.

Abstract

Previously, a conventional 3x5 card system was used to create an alphabetical index of the last names of all parties mentioned in the reports. The new system for indexing police reports consists of more than 30 fields, including 11 fields of identifying information, six fields of physical description data, 5 fields of identification numbers, two fields pertaining to an unlimited number of aliases, and 8 fields pertaining to an unlimited number of contacts. The system increases the volume, accuracy, and security of information. Developed by Computer Challenge of El Monte, Calif., the system meets all of the department's computerization and office automation needs at a cost of only $55,000. Other systems cost $100,000-$200,000, yet would have provided fewer modules and no office automation. The system does not have any special environmental requirements, thus precluding the need for a special room; it is so small that it easily fits under a desk.