NCJ Number
70145
Date Published
1971
Length
125 pages
Annotation
This study describes the records management and information systems utilized by local, county, and district criminal justice agencies in Texas.
Abstract
Major report forms, recordkeeping processes, information flow, sources of information, formats in which information is kept, the routing of data for both intra-agency and interagency use, and the statistical reports and summaries produced on a regular basis are described. The responsibilities of law enforcement agencies, prosecuting attorneys' offices, the courts, and probation departments for these records management activities are delineated. The descriptions of recordkeeping forms and processes emphasize the commonalities found in the agencies across the state, although significant exceptions are also noted. The information was gathered through interviews with agency personnel and mail surveys which solicited recordkeeping information and copies of report forms. The study concludes that a number of problems exist in the State's recordkeeping processes and information flow among the various agencies in the criminal justice community. Some of these problems result from the diversity among agencies. For example, small police departments require different recordkeeping forms and systems from those needed in large departments; the great variety of agency tasks adds to the confusion. The study recommends that interagency cooperation in the form of information sharing would improve the quality of criminal justice processes in the State. Appendixes contain sample record forms. Tables help illustrate similarities and differences in the various systems. Footnotes are given.