NCJ Number
116239
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 37 Issue: 2 Dated: (February 1989) Pages: 22-24
Date Published
1989
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article describes the efficiencies gained when the police department of Normandy Park (Washington) obtained laptop computers.
Abstract
A program, introduced by the Chief of Police, implemented laptop computers to reduce the paperwork of the department for the officers. It helps them to record incident reports in a pre-established format and to start the immediate movement of cases through the system. Officers enter data onto the screen, the document is then automatically printed for the supervisor, and the program has saved the department $20,000 in clerical time. The system aided the department in a homicide by obtaining a guilty plea and conviction by providing the officers with the ability to compile a voluminous charge sheet in relatively little time. The department has also obtained the IBM-compatible Everex personal computer, enabling Police-Track software to be accessed on-line. This system includes employee and training records, vehicle maintenance records, residential alarm information, a case-management program. The officers' laptops can utilize this on-line system by plugging into the mainframe PC. The department is planning to expand the laptops' utility by making them serve as mobile data terminals for accessing information.