Information Systems and Law Enforcement free essay sample

Over the last decade, computer and telecommunications technologies have developed at an extraordinary rate. Increased computer power, advances In data transmission and attractive and user-friendly graphic interfaces present law enforcement agencies with unprecedented capacity to collect, store, analyze and share data with stakeholders inside and outside of government(Richter, 2001). Ultimately, information technology represents a tool to help law enforcement achieve it broadened and increasingly complex mission.This holds true for the past and the future. Historically, the Innovation of Information systems has served as the catalyst for dramatic changes In the organization of police work and has presented OTOH opportunities and challenges to police and other criminal justice practitioners, according adjacent Chain (Richter, 2001). Noting that information is the stock-in trade of policing. In 1967, under the FBI director J. Edgar Hoover the National Crime Information Center (NIACIN) database was created.The NIACIN is the United States central database for tracking crime-related Information. We will write a custom essay sample on Information Systems and Law Enforcement or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page While most Information Is maintained and stored on FBI Infrastructure, not all Information In the NIACIN Is stored on FBI servers. Information such as in-state criminal histories, drivers license, icicle registration and in-state warrants are maintained on the state level. Because the NIACIN is an intertwined system, most information maintained on the state level is available to any authorized agency.Recently, the Electronic Privacy Information Center has raised concerns over the validity of information in the NIACIN database. A broad coalition of organizations across the United States has endorsed a letter urging the reestablishment of accuracy requirements for the Bis National Crime Information Center (NIACIN), the nations largest criminal justice database. More than 3,000 individuals from 47 states and the District of Columbia have signed an online petition to the Office of Management and Budget (MOB) also supporting the Privacy Act accuracy requirements(Wisped. Erg) The Chicago Police Department (CAP) has been at the forefront of the Information technology race in law enforcement. Over the last decade the CAP has Introduced a number of Information systems policing process. One of the systems that is making a difference for the CAP is the CLEAR system. The Citizen and Law Enforcement Analysis and Reporting (CLEAR) yester was developed to harness information to more effectively manage the department, strengthen community partnerships and share data with other criminal justice systems. CLEAR was created to manage information flow. Under CLEAR, the CAP has developed a Records Management System that employs nine operational systems which include ; Fingerprints Mug shots Criminal History record indemnification Internal inspections External complaints Has CLEAR made a difference? According to CAP CLEAR has eliminated redundant data entry and helped in developing management reports. (5) Because there is only en information system, all stakeholders will need to learn only one system. As a result of this system, as it is modified is said to allow police personnel more time to solve crime(Richter, P. 3).There is nothing but the future for information systems and information technology concerning law enforcement. On Novo 16 2006 the Dallas City Council gave final approval for Dallas departments of police, fire and aviation to be the first subscribers to COCO Communications Service. The service allows the agencies to have access to this encrypted network allowing them to communicate ice, video and data easily with each other using their existing radios and networks(Government Technology) coco Communications software protocol rides on top of existing network infrastructures. The protocol eliminates communication breakdowns created by systems that use differing frequencies or operating systems. The service integrates with wireless carriers, extending access to the service and allows radios, laptops, cell phones and Pads to communicate across the network(Government Technology). The result will be that users will be able to converse with their colleagues as well as other federal, state and local agencies on he network to share critical information during emergency situations or for normal day to day activities.Creative uses and development of new information technology and systems have the potential to increase the capacity and effectiveness of law enforcement in fulfilling its complex mission of today. This includes the increased demands in the post 911 world. Implementing such systems faces a host of challenges. Acceptance by local, state and federal governments are always a hinder. Privacy and security concerns always generate controversy. But the number one halogen of implementing new systems and technology is how to pay for them.