Officers' spoken words are recorded on hard disks, authorized personnel can gain instant access to dictated reports by telephone 24-hours a day, and investigative teams can locate any dictated item instantly and play it back automatically. The Dayton Police Department began using a loop recording system in the mid-1970's. This was followed by a tank recording system and Operation Telephone, which used civilians to transcribe phoned in police reports. In the mid-1980's, a management information system, computer-aided dispatching, and in-car data keyboard terminals were added. In selecting the digital voice processing system, emphasis was placed on selecting equipment that was expandable and reliable. This system permits expansion of its voice paths that can be used in any combination of dictate, listen, or transcribe, and the user can reboot the system, resulting in little down-time. Training of personnel was done on-site during officers' regular shifts. The system also instructs users with voice prompts, and cue cards provide information on keyboard functions. The system is managed by a computer that retains, displays, and prints information on request. Management reports also can be generated. It is estimated that the system saves the department 10 hours per officer per week. The system has contributed to more efficient operations and improved officer morale and savings to taxpayers. Photographs.