DIFFUSION OF POLICE COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY (FROM POLICE COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY, 1978, BY KENT W COLTON - SEE NCJ-51065)

• NCJ Number: 51078
• Author(s): K W COLTON
• Date Published: 1978
• Length: 8 pages
• Corporate Author: Lexington Books
• Publication Format: Document
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

FACTORS WHICH INFLUENCE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPUTER-AIDED OPERATIONS IN POLICE DEPARTMENTS ARE EXAMINED. HUMAN AS WELL AS TECHNICAL PROBLEMS ARE DISCUSSED AND SUGGESTIONS FOR THE FUTURE ARE MADE.

Abstract

THE PROBLEMS WHICH HAVE PLAGUED INTRODUCTION OF COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY INTO POLICE DEPARTMENTS ARE REVIEWED. THESE INCLUDE OVEREXPECTATIONS, SMALL BASE OF SUPPORT, POOR PROJECT MANAGEMENT, AND FAILURE TO RECEIVE INPUT FROM THOSE WHO WILL ACTUALLY USE THE SYSTEM. A CHECKLIST PRESENTS CONDITIONS WHICH SHOULD BE PRESENT FOR SUCCESSFUL COMPUTER INTRODUCTION. DEPARTMENTS ARE WARNED THAT COMPUTERIZATION IS NOT A PANACEA. A MORE REALISTIC AND PRODUCTIVE OUTLOOK IS URGED. VENDORS ARE URGED TO BE MORE TRUTHFUL IN THEIR REPRESENTATIONS. IT IS SUGGESTED THAT AS EXPECTATIONS BECOME MORE REALISTIC, PERFORMANCE WILL IMPROVE. REFERENCES ARE APPENDED. (GLR)