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Law Enforcement Tech Guide: How to Plan, Purchase and Manage Technology (Successfully!) A Guide for Executives, Managers and Technologists

NCJ Number
197106
Author(s)
Kelly J. Harris; William H. Romesburg
Date Published
September 2002
Length
294 pages
Annotation
This Law Enforcement Tech Guide is designed to present strategies, recommendations, and ideas for the successful implementation of new technologies in law enforcement settings.
Abstract
The authors begin by stating that the implementation of a new technology is not as easy as plugging in a computer and turning the switch on. It takes careful planning to successfully implement and manage a new technology. As such, this guide offers project management strategies that will aid law enforcement personnel in effectively introducing a new technology into the workplace. Under consideration in this guide are strategies for planning, purchasing, and implementing many types of technologies that are available to aid law enforcement personnel. The guide is organized into six sections that deal with either planning for, buying, or implementing and managing the new technology. The first section discusses what needs to be in place before purchasing a new technology. The authors explain that decisions concerning staffing need to be made, as well as identifying or hiring the project manager, and assessing what the goals of the project should entail. The second section outlines the process of a needs analysis. The authors suggest that a needs analysis should be conducted early in the process to determine what type of system is best suited to the departments’ needs. The third section describes how to create a project plan, including the preparation of a scope statement and the project timeline. The fourth section discusses the procurement of the new technology while the fifth section covers issues involved in implementing the technology. Finally, the sixth section offers suggestions for maintaining and managing the new technology, including issues of grant management and compliance. Appendices