Review of GIS-Based Information Sharing Systems

• NCJ Number: 213814
• Author(s): Spencer Chainey; Chloe Smith
• Date Published: February 2006
• Length: 72 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: Great Britain Home Office Research Development and Statistics Directorate
• Corporate Author: Jill Dando Institute of Crime Science
• Sale Source: Prison Visitation Project, Inc
• Publication Format: Document (Online)
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom
• Note: Home Office Online Report 02/06; downloaded April 13, 2006.

Annotation

This report presents a review of the use of GIS-based information systems by Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships (CDRPs) in the United Kingdom and reports on lessoned learned from the implementation and use of GIS-based information sharing systems.

Abstract

Main findings revealed the key ingredients necessary for effectively using GIS-based information systems to support the sharing of information among CDRPs. These key ingredients include an effective partnership business model, a combination of desktop and networked technology, current data of good quality, effective resourcing of information sharing processes, understanding the value of quality analysis and quality multi-agency intelligence products, and mainstreamed system funding. Four business service functions were identified that would help enhance existing GIS-based information systems: (1) a performance review function; (2) a scanning role for identifying community problems; (3) an analysis mechanism; and (4) interfacing with the public. Recommendations are offered for enhancing the functioning of GIS-based information systems. Recommendations for project managers include the advice to review the system against the four core business service functions while recommendations for the Home Office advise the Office to establish a system managers’ forum that meets on an annual basis. Research methodology for this review included site meetings with GIS-based information system project managers; an online system review; workshops and focus groups with users; stakeholders and data contributors; and a review of system project management documentation. The report includes a description of each of the nominated systems included in the review; each system is described in terms of what it does and how it is used, how it was specified and how it has developed over time, its functionality, the impact of the system, and the strengths and weakness of the systems. A template is offered for enhancing existing GIS-based systems or developing a new one. Tables, figures, references