NCJ Number
202512
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 51 Issue: 8 Dated: August 2003 Pages: 88-91
Date Published
August 2003
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article provides guidelines for installing a computerized records-keeping system for small-sized police departments (20 officers).
Abstract
Most small police agencies typically have one or more desktop PC's and perhaps a laptop. These computers can be linked together by using a Local Area Network (LAN) or a peer-to-peer configuration. Two of the more popular networks are Windows NT and Novell. The advantage to networking is having a central repository for the agency's data. Software selection is the critical decision. The chief or the selection committee must consider some basic questions when assessing and selecting software programs: Does the system do what I need it to do? Do I know what I want it to do? Will the system grow with the agency? How user-friendly is the system? Does the company support the system? Are updates/upgrades included? What are the licensing restrictions? Can the agency afford the total cost of the system? A thorough assessment of the current system is a necessary procedure in answering many of these questions. After a particular system has been selected and installed, the next step is training. Most software companies offer training on a per-day-plus-expenses basis. This training can be well worth the money, particularly if the department does not have computer-literate employees. The chief must clearly state the department's policy on how the system is to be implemented and used by employees. If possible, work should be moved to the new system incrementally, based on training timetables and proficiency. This may mean operating parallel systems for a short time. Slower productivity should be expected at the outset until operators become familiar and proficient with the new system.