Emerging Issues in the Use of Microcomputers as Management Tools in Criminal Justice Administration (From Microcomputers in Criminal Justice, P 99-112, 1987, Joseph Waldron, et al - See NCJ-10446 8)

• NCJ Number: 104474
• Author(s): W Archambeault
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 14 pages
• Sale Source: Anderson Publishing Co
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The computer and telecommunications technologies that are helping criminal justice agencies manage huge quantities of information more efficiently are also generating new problems for organizational management.

Abstract

A basic challenge is the need to integrate 21st century information technology with a 19th century organizational model based on Weberian-Fayolian bureaucracy. The hierarchical structure of this type of organization inhibits the needed flow of information and subverts the value of information within the organization. A second issue is the need to transform massive amounts of raw information rapidly into usable agency knowledge. Three additional issues are how to achieve and maintain the integrity and security of information systems, how to train and motivate personnel to use the equipment, and how to develop computer plans and information access policies. Applying computer technology to manage information will be most effective only if organizational management makes fundamental changes. The technology presents both a challenge and the means for dealing with the challenge.