NCJ Number
73720
Date Published
1980
Length
8 pages
Annotation
An evaluation of San Diego's Automated Regional Justice Information System (ARJIS), designed to computerize crime case, arrest, suspect, and property records, focuses on system progress, user satisfaction, benefits, and costs.
Abstract
Although development of the ARJIS began in 1976, only 6 of the 9 system components were operational by November 1980 because of design changes, reorganization problems, and staff turnover. The field interview component was completed in 1977, and while the crime case, property, and crime analysis sections are operational, they do not contain all proposed capabilities. The manpower allocation component has been postponed, but traffic arrest data and the automated worthless document index will be available in 1981. Most law enforcement personnel felt that the system was useful in compiling a broad base of crime information, saved time, and improved the arrest and investigative capabilities. Many persons, however, complained about insufficient training, difficulties in obtaining information while on patrol, and excessive computer downtime. The impact of ARJIS varied by department, but was particularly valuable in investigating Part I crimes. The agencies that benefited most had administrators who were committed to ARJIS and a high proportion of officers trained in data retrieval techniques. The cost per agency ranges from 1.1 to 3.1 percent of their total appropriations for law enforcement, but cost effectiveness of ARJIS cannot be determined until the system is fully operational. About one-third of the agency administrators thought that these costs were justified after grant funding ends, but over half felt that cost effectiveness depends on future costs and the development of the remaining components. The evaluation report recommended that the development of all components should proceed and that all officers should be encouraged to use the system through training and access to equipment. Other suggestions concerned organizational structure, improved data entry procedures, and continuous monitoring of system operations. A followup report on ARJIS is scheduled for spring 1981.