NCJ Number
161646
Journal
Sheriff Volume: 48 Issue: 2 Dated: (March-April 1996) Pages: 10-11,35
Date Published
1996
Length
3 pages
Annotation
The Internet may be critical in accomplishing the police mission by virtue of more efficient and timely access to information and by its ability to link law enforcement personnel worldwide.
Abstract
The Internet is a network of several million addresses that can be accessed using a good computer and a modem. The Internet has become more user friendly, and file transfer protocols have been developed to tap into computer systems worldwide. Law enforcement is using the Internet in several ways: exchange information on police procedures and technical matters; exchange information with the public; share criminal and safety information with the public; and communicate with experts in a particular subject. For example, the Pueblo County, Colorado, Sheriff's Office has a home page on the Internet that contains information on public safety, crime reporting procedures, police news releases, crime trends, community problems, and detention. Although few police agencies use the Internet extensively and many police officers still rely on telephone calls, letters, and meetings to exchange information, many law enforcement futurists believe the Internet is the tool of the future for both police operations and research. Computer crime specialists can use the Internet to exchange techniques and technical information, and forensic laboratory experts can exploit Internet capabilities to exchange data with their counterparts. A list of Internet and e- mail addresses of interest to law enforcement is included.