NCJ Number
203190
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 30 Issue: 10 Dated: October 2003 Pages: 162-166
Date Published
October 2003
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the importance of automating and integrating criminal justice information systems and describes new software designed to streamline the criminal investigation process (CIP).
Abstract
Historically, the CIP has relied on investigators using pen and paper to record every aspect of a criminal investigation. This paper-driven, antiquated system results in an overwhelming amount of files, leading to hours of research time. The article discusses results of several university studies that underscore the importance of CIP in preventing criminal activities. The studies showed that the CIP remains a manually driven process, resulting in an inefficient system that is far behind the times. What is needed, the article asserts, is an automated records management system designed specifically for CIP that is available to all criminal justice personnel working on the case, from investigators to prosecutors. Next, the article describes the software application developed by IRP Solutions Corporation of Colorado Springs, CO. The software works by integrating criminal justice information systems of law enforcement at the State, local, and Federal levels. The program allows computerized interfaces for all contributors to the investigative process, saving valuable human and financial resources. It also allows investigative teams to access, query, update, and analyze information concurrently, effectively streamlining the investigative process. Its crime analysis features allow investigators to quickly see patterns emerging from the data, no matter how extensive or complex. The software also helps track the evidence chain-of-custody, provides auditing and accountability functions, and provides task and resource management functions. This software represents the first holistic, computerized CIP in law enforcement.