NCJ Number
181750
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 27 Issue: 2 Dated: February 2000 Pages: 66-71
Editor(s)
Ronnie Paynter
Date Published
February 2000
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Police agencies that use electronic document management to put their records on computer and equipping officers with laptop computers to improve efficiency and make better use of space should consider the experiences of other agencies in making this transition from the use of filing cabinets and boxes.
Abstract
Electronic document management is a combination of system software and hardware that allows users to collect information from paper, facsimile, e-mail, and handwritten notes and to store the documents digitally on a computer system. This storage method greatly simplifies storage and retrieval procedures. Users can file, store, copy, retrieve, and integrate documents into their business applications. This approach is useful both for a single desktop and a multi-user setting. The greatest benefit of electronic document management is enhanced productivity; employees can retrieve information in seconds. Three police agencies that are taking advantage of technological advances to collect and manage information and provide field access to the records are the Elk City, Okla., Police Department; the Florida Department of Law Enforcement; and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department in North Carolina. Photographs