NCJ Number
113086
Journal
Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Newsletter Issue: 14-15 Dated: special issue (December 1987) Pages: 38-48
Date Published
1987
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This article examines the current status of computerization in criminal justice, discusses why criminal justice information systems (CJIS') have fallen short of expectations, and suggests solutions.
Abstract
In England and Wales, there is a lack of single, clear organizational structure; and system boundaries generally are not well defined. Each of the main agencies uses computers to assist in day-to-day operations, and the nature, purpose, and design of the systems vary from agency to agency. These factors have contributed to the failure to develop integrated, interagency computer systems. In addition, systems are expensive, data quality may be poor, and funding may be lacking. There also has been a tendency merely to automate existing manual procedures regardless of their effectiveness or efficiency. Many systems lack a clear statement of purpose and objectives and, therefore, criteria for evaluation. Often, responsibility for CJIS development has been contracted to external professionals with little internal involvement by management. User involvement, training, and support also are often inadequate; and technology may not be matched to purpose and needs. Finally, many systems are antiquated, and there has been little attempt to coordinate or develop integrated systems. Bottom-up development within a single agency and the development of linked systems in several agencies are recommended to overcome some of these problems.