NCJ Number
141761
Date Published
1993
Length
6 pages
Annotation
The Homicide Investigation and Tracking System (HITS) is a computerized murder and sexual assault investigative program that collects and analyzes information pertaining to specific serious criminal offenses. Developed in Washington State, the program relies on law enforcement agencies to submit information, which is stored in the seven data files that comprise the HITS system.
Abstract
HITS supplies information related to a murder or predatory sexual assault incident including crimes with similar characteristics; evidence, victimology, and offender profiles; and identification of known murderers or sex offenders living in a community. HITS' second function is to analyze murder cases to identify factors that may help solve a case; possible links between a single victim, offender, or case and other incidents; and verification of statements made by informants or offenders. Finally, the program provides names of experts who can aid an investigation as well as advice and technical assistance. The HITS seven data files include murder, sexual assault, preliminary information, Department of Corrections, gang-related crimes, Violent Criminal Apprehension Program (VICAP), and timeline. 4 tables and 3 notes