NCJ Number
177194
Journal
CTM (Corrections Technology & Management) Volume: 3 Issue: 1 Dated: January/February 1999 Pages: 40-43
Date Published
1999
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article examines use of the Internet in law enforcement.
Abstract
The Internet is becoming an important tool in all aspects of law enforcement, including helping to prevent convicted felons from committing more crimes or further harassing their victims. Parolees in Washington State are tracked on the Internet as a means of reducing recidivism and repeat criminal activity. Crime victims in South Carolina are informed via the Internet when "inmates of interest" are paroled. Judges in Georgia can determine whether or not to grant bail to a suspect after logging onto a web-site where they can view the individual's entire criminal record, including whether he or she is on parole. One Internet-based tool that helps locate and apprehend criminals is "The Bastille" from GTE Corporation. With this service, law enforcement agencies can exchange both historical and late-breaking case information, access a large number of databases and view high-quality photo lineups of suspects. An important feature of this privately operated network is its security, with access limited to the law enforcement community.