Computers can speed the process of completing reports, which requires an estimated 15-20 percent of a police officer's time. Data analysis can also help police officers identify patterns and repeated calls for service. Police officers in the Los Angeles Police Department uses digital laptop terminals for the rapid retrieval of information on suspects and have concluded that they are much more useful than pin maps. By pointing and clicking the cursor, police officers receive information not only about locations but also about victim characteristics, the specific characteristics of a location, calls for service, citation patterns, parolee demographics, and demographics. Opinions vary regarding the extent to which small and medium-sized police agencies will benefit from using advanced technology. Police agencies should recognize that computers cannot replace people in interacting with the public. They should consider a variety of options before purchasing software to ensure that it is user-friendly.