For over 25 years, data from the Seattle Police Department's CAD system were archived weekly, resulting in an enormous database. Until recently, however, this data was of little use to police managers. The raw data were available, but the data could not be converted into usable information. To convert the CAD data into a user-friendly format that would permit customized analysis, the department received a grant from the U.S. Justice Department's Office of Community-Oriented Policing Services. The funding request was for a new database, including hardware, software, and custom programming. The total one-time cost to establish the project was $150,000. An annual fee of $26,000 pays for software maintenance. The combination of hardware and software enables departmental staff to extract information from the database through queries that can range from the aggregate to targeted detail. The operations database allows managers to obtain information by using any number of criteria, including officer, time period, or geographic area. It also allows managers to apply a variety of different statistical measures, such as basic counts, means, medians, and modes. In addition to the standard monthly reports now produced, managers often ask for customized reports that answer specific questions. Some specific examples of how the new system is used are provided, along with projected future projects. The keys to success of any database implementation project are outlined.