NCJ Number
109554
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 36 Issue: 2 Dated: (February 1988) Pages: 28-31
Date Published
1988
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Due to dynamic population growth in the Tampa Bay area, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (Florida) adopted a computerized dispatch system.
Abstract
The county needed a system capable of exchanging and processing data from other law enforcement computer systems, have built-in growth and expansion capacity, and still be flexible enough to allow easy change by law enforcement people with limited computer skills. A system fitting this bill was adopted in 1986 and is built around a Unisys 1100/73 computer. The processing of incoming calls is aided by a geographic location file, a location history file, and special consideration files. The computer displays the recommended resource or unit for dispatch. Transmission and response is within 2 to 5 seconds. Another important feature of the system is the MAPPER SYSTEM, a software package that allows persons with limited computer skills to develop and modify programs to suit their own law enforcement requirements. This has facilitated efforts toward conversion of the telephone system into an enhanced 911 system. Photograph.