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Bulletin Board Systems: Sheriffs in the Information Age

NCJ Number
161647
Journal
Sheriff Volume: 48 Issue: 2 Dated: (March-April 1996) Pages: 13-14,35
Author(s)
E P Nemeth
Date Published
1996
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Using computers to implement a Bulletin Board Service (BBS) is one way sheriffs can maximize the power of the computer and step into the "information age."
Abstract
The BBS is a centralized service individuals with a simple computer and a modem can dial up over a standard telephone line. Users can upload and download information, answer polls and questionnaires, leave messages for others, send private electronic mail, and exchange files with other users. In particular, the BBS facilitates the sharing of policy information. Other benefits include access to information files and databases, message forums, e-mail, teleconferencing, online purchasing, and shareware. A national BBS could focus on many disciplines, such as police policies and procedures, drug abuse, jail issues, crime prevention, recent court decisions, and missing children. The BBS concept is designed to bring criminal justice professionals together through networking and information sharing. The BBS can serve any size user, regardless of whether that user is in an urban or a remote setting. Recent statistics show that over 40 percent of law enforcement and corrections agencies are computer literate. Recognizing this, the Executive Board of the National Emergency Number Association has adopted the National Justice Centre Bulletin Board Service as a communication tool.