In the 1970's and 1980's, many police agencies began to computerize their records systems in an effort to collect and disseminate crime data more efficiently. An agency that is investigating computer hardware for computerized recordkeeping should consider a number of alternative approaches. Currently, two types of small personal computers are available for law enforcement use: pen-based and keyboard-based computers. Pen- based computers display a form or instruction box on a display pad and allow the user to respond by writing on the pad with a pen or stylus. The computer interprets the hand gestures and translates them into text that can be stored in the computer's memory. Keyboard-based systems consist of a keyboard to enter information and a small screen to display it. Computer software provides the method used to collect and store report information. The software should provide for a user-friendly word processor, direct transfer that reduces the cost for data entry, data editing, records modification and verification, and the capacity to print reports.