NCJ Number
95340
Journal
Canadian Police College Journal Volume: 8 Issue: 2 Dated: (1984) Pages: 93-106
Date Published
1984
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This discussion of the use of microtechnology in police information handling reviews the literature on management implications of technological advances and surveys automated police information systems currently used in Canada.
Abstract
The literature suggests that informatics literacy will be no less serious a problem for future police managers than lack of reading and writing skills is now. Experts believe that the microtechnology revolution will bring changes in career patterns and management practices, result in a net loss of jobs, and pose threats to individual privacy. On the other hand, microtechnology promises great benefits to police departments, such as simplifying routine administrative chores and providing data bases as investigative aids. The paper surveys the following police information systems: the Royal Canadian Mounted Police's Police Information Retrieval System; the PRIDE police records system shared by the cities of Brantford, Stratford, Guelph, and Kitchener-Waterloo; Edmonton's system which supplies vehicle, warrant, and other data; Vancouver's Mobile Radio Data System; and projects of the Canadian Department of Communications. Discussions at a 1983 meeting held at the Canadian Police College revealed needs for easily understood information on microtechnology systems, guidelines to help forces choose equipment and vendors, microtechnology training, and a study of the impact of microtechnology on police organization, careers, labor relations, and other areas. Possible applications of microtechnology in police work are described. The paper supplies 12 references.