NCJ Number
174089
Date Published
1997
Length
17 pages
Annotation
Internet technologies can be used by law enforcement and criminal justice agencies to access data bases; to transfer large image files for photographs, fingerprints, and other documents; and to access national systems such as the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NLETS).
Abstract
Application designers have several choices when evaluating approaches to web-based solutions. Some of these options have been implemented in several jurisdictions, including the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (MDPS). The MDPS has contracted to build the Mississippi Criminal History System (MCHS), and requirements of the MCHS project are similar to technical requirements of most State agencies. The MCHS project is a Unix/Oracle-based configuration that provides Mississippi with an integrated solution for the Computerized Criminal History Repository. The project involves message switching and Automated Fingerprint Identification System integration, as well as data entry, mug shot, and archive capabilities. Key requirements associated with web applications are outlined that pertain to web-based access to criminal data repositories and web-based access to NCIC and NLETS. While the requirements are specific to Mississippi, they should also be considered for other applications. Candidate approaches for implementing these requirements are briefly described and illustrated, and recommendations to facilitate the implementation of web-based capabilities are offered. 8 figures