It provides descriptions of some basic MIS concepts, including MIS as a tool for controlling information resources, information supply and demand conditions, the computer as a technology alternative, and MIS master planning. It describes the organizational aspects of MIS and the reasons why a police department should consider the development of computer-based information systems. The concepts of information supply and demand conditions are described within the context of police command levels and functions. Some of the MIS-related problems in Canadian police departments and the need for change are discussed. Descriptions of a suggested police MIS, the Targeted Information Processing Systems (TIPS), focus on its components and files. The five major phases involved in a system development program are identified: feasibility study, setup, system construction, facility selection, and operations and systems maintenance. Descriptions of the cost elements of a development plan using TIPS as an example are included. A glossary is included. For a summary of the study, see NCJ 82691. For the other volumes in the series, see NCJ 82692-94 and 82696. (Author summary modified)