NCJ Number
13890
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 22 Issue: 4 Dated: (APRIL 1974) Pages: 52-54
Date Published
1974
Length
3 pages
Annotation
VIRGINIA'S EXPERIENCE WITH A SYSTEM WHICH FEATURES COMPUTER TERMINALS IN PATROL CARS HAS BEEN BENEFICIAL IN ADDITIONAL ARRESTS AND CONSERVED TIME.
Abstract
BENEFITS HAVE INCLUDED MORE RAPID AND ACCURATE CHECKS ON THE LOCATION AND STATUS OF PATROL VEHICLES, CONSERVATION OF RADIO AIR-TIME, MORE RAPID CHECKS ON VEHICLES AND SUSPICIOUS PERSONS, AND FOREWARNING OF THE OFFICERS OF KNOWN DANGEROUS PERSONS. THE TERMINALS ALLOW ON-THESCENE INQUIRY TO VCIN (VIRGINIA CRIME INFORMATION NETWORK), DMV (DIVISION OF MOTOR VEHICLES) AND NCIC (NATIONAL CRIME INFORMATION CENTER), STATUS MAINTENANCE, AND CAR-TO-CAR AS WELL AS CAR-TO-DISPATCHER COMMUNICATIONS. INDIVIDUAL STATUS KEYS AUTOMATICALLY CONVEY A PREDETERMINED MESSAGE TO THE DISPATCHER, SUCH AS 'OUT OF SERVICE,' 'IN SERVICE,' 'ARRIVED AT SCENE,' AND STOPPING A VEHICLE'. A SPECIAL EMERGENCY KEY SENDS A CONTINOUS SIGNAL TO THE DISPATCHER UNTIL ACKNOWLEDGED.