NCJ Number
95719
Date Published
1984
Length
86 pages
Annotation
This Canadian review of the Prosecutor's Management Information System (PROMIS), a computer program used to automate the tracking of cases, defendants, and charges, found that PROMIS's ability to meet the needs of a particular jurisdiction depends on a careful needs analysis by appropriately skilled personnel.
Abstract
INSLAW, the developer of PROMIS, provides ongoing aid to PROMIS users. The ability to tailor PROMIS to particular requirements allows the user jurisdiction to modify the basic system as needed. In U.S. studies, PROMIS scores slightly higher in user satisfaction than other systems. However, some drawbacks to PROMIS include the need to convert, install, and tailor the system to a particular jurisdiction's needs. Conversion to particular kinds of computers requires personnel skilled in PROMIS as well as in the policies and procedures of the jurisdiction. Without such expertise, conversion can take much longer than expected. PROMIS is not considered to be user-friendly; for example, data capture can be complex and cumbersome. In certain installations, terminal response time is slow. Although the system is thoroughly documented through the automatic generation of listings, end-user documentation must be written by the user. PROMIS is not capable of handling large volumes of data entry on a routine basis. Compared to custom-built systems, PROMIS does not necessarily cost less. While the cost of a system is an important factor, the decision between buying and building a software system cannot be based on financial criteria alone. Problems of diversity, dedicated and integrated systems, and requirements analyses are detailed. Chapter notes and an annotated list of justice information systems are provided.