NCJ Number
161648
Journal
Sheriff Volume: 48 Issue: 2 Dated: (March-April 1996) Pages: 46-47,56
Date Published
1996
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Law enforcement agencies have tapped into computer technology, including database management tools and techniques, to keep pace with the large volume of information that must be compiled and stored.
Abstract
Areas where computer technology has helped sheriff's offices include arrests, booking, commissary control, criminal histories, fingerprinting and identification, inventory, jail management, mug shot imaging, payroll, records management, reporting stolen property, and warrant tracking. Many companies offer a wide variety of database management systems that can be adapted to specific needs. Aspects of law enforcement and jail management that can be automated include administration (shift scheduling, budget tracking, fixed asset inventory control, and vehicle maintenance), civil processes, criminal warrants, drug investigations, and criminal investigations. In the case of criminal investigations, computer software is available to track investigative activity by case number and to update incident files directly by investigators. Computer software is also available for administrative and investigative recordkeeping. Computerized recordkeeping systems allow crime data to be maintained for statistical purposes and property and evidence records to be tracked.