NCJ Number
89963
Date Published
1980
Length
191 pages
Annotation
The study describes computer automation processes undertaken by the Dutch police and measures the effects of the projects on police organizations and employees.
Abstract
Effects of surveillance and information storage systems were considered. Data were collected from interviews with employees in Breda and the Hague and from interviews with subjects in 20 cities and 2 national police districts. In general, the major problem encountered was the resistance of employees to being controlled by machines. Officers did not understand the computers and felt threatened by them. Short-term problems included system organization, hardware speed, and software adequacy. A trusting relationship between information gatherers in the field and office workers who processed information was also needed. Other needs were for leaders who were both procedure and and production oriented and for realistic, flexible procedures that allow patrol officers to maintain their sensitivity to human needs. A bibliography and an appendix containing a summary of automation problems described in literature are supplied.