NCJ Number
168428
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 66 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1997) Pages: 18-22
Date Published
1997
Length
5 pages
Annotation
The Internet offers many opportunities for law enforcement agencies to connect with their communities, simplify administrative tasks by centralizing data, reduce publishing costs, recruit employees, conduct research, and address computer-related crime.
Abstract
The Internet is a global group of connected computer networks with a current total of 35 million users. The most popular area of the Internet is the World Wide Web, which is easy to use. The Internet provides an opportunity to enhance community policing by establishing an information resource for the community and soliciting citizens' comments and questions. Police agencies can use it to present crime prevention material, lists of fugitives, and staff lists and telephone numbers. They can also post their hiring requirements, salary structure, employment benefits, and career opportunities. They can find research studies and use newsgroups. Understanding the Internet and its technology will also aid investigations of crime related to computers and the Internet. The experience of the Dallas Police Department exemplifies the benefits of establishing a home page and using the Internet. Reference note