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Working Together: The Case for Integration of Criminal Justice Information Systems

NCJ Number
182889
Journal
Compiler Volume: 19 Issue: 3,4 Dated: Winter/Spring 2000 Pages: 4-18
Author(s)
Steve Prisoc; Cristin Monti; Mark Myrent
Date Published
2000
Length
16 pages
Annotation
These six articles and accompanying sidebars discuss the rationale for integrating criminal justice information systems, obstacles to such integration, a model integration effort in Illinois, the traditional approach to developing an integrated system, and recommended strategies for integration.
Abstract
Integrated systems provided all needed information and structure the delivery of information in ways that enhance ideal work flows and individual worker productivity. Progress is occurring in integrating criminal justice information systems, although model systems are rare. Interagency collaboration in McLean County (Ill.) has resulted in a model integration effort. The traditional approach to developing an integrated justice system is to create a large system on one mainframe computer that will serve all criminal justice agencies n a particular jurisdiction or municipality. The favored recent approach to integration for jurisdictions having large investments in existing systems has been to use software to join the various agency systems into a virtual system. Obstacles to integration include turf issues, lack of understanding, lack of funds, lack of effective organizational structures, and conflicting goals. The National Task Force on Court automation and Integration has made many recommendations regarding strategies for agencies considering or currently administering court automation and integration projects. Figures and list of integration web sites