Unit 7: Communication Skills

On-line Clearing Houses

Computers are already an integral part of most police departments. They perform such routine tasks as word processing, filing, record keeping, reports, and scheduling human resources and facilities. Computers which serve as investigative tools have, however, the greatest potential to impact criminal justice in the future. Automated fingerprint technology is but one example of based systems designed to help in identifying offenders and solving crimes. Others include nationwide National Crime Information Center (NCIC), as discussed above, and Violent Criminal Apprehension Program (VICAP) data bases, state-operated police identification networks and specialized services like METAPOL, an information-sharing network run by the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF). Electronic facsimile systems (fax machines) now provide for easy hands-on distribution of on-line information. NCIC and PIN-type networks furnish a 24-hour channel to information on suspects, stolen vehicles, and other data and can be accessed by computers installed in patrol cars.