Criminal Justice Information Management Systems: Past, Present and Future

Abstract

The criminal justice community comprises a vast number of agencies, each maintaining information management systems. The problem of ensuring security and interoperability amongst a number of agencies presents a difficult task for IT providers in the criminal justice arena. Police intelligence databases are now capable of sharing data on a national level, and agencies such as the DVLA, Local Authorities and the prosecution services may request and transfer information through standardised protocols. Speed, efficiency, accuracy and standardisation are all improvements designed to enhance resources and activities. However, errors, mistakes and the potential for miscarriages of justice must also be considered as real and far-reaching threats. The developments within Scotland have produced a national police intelligence database and a whole host of secure links between other agencies.

Keywords: information systems, police, intelligence