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National Assessment of Police Command, Control, and Communications Systems

NCJ Number
87679
Author(s)
K W Colton; M L Brandeau; J M Tien
Date Published
1983
Length
137 pages
Annotation
This final report of a 2-year National Evaluation Project Phase I Study assesses the use of computer technology in police command, control, and communications (PCCC), based on a literature review, surveys, and site visits to police departments nationwide.
Abstract
Systems studied include Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD), Mobile Digital Communications (MDC), 911 services, and Automatic Vehicle Monitoring (AVM), as well as Regional Communication Systems and Formal Deployment Methods. There have been few evaluations of PCCC systems; most have focused on process rather than outcome. CAD and MDC systems have been widely accepted, although MDC is less common. Most departments feel that AVM systems have potential but question whether their benefits justify the cost. Although the use of 911 is growing, full-scale implementation has been hindered by political, technical, and financial problems. New PCCC systems do not appear to reduce response time, as many departments think. The implementation of computer-based systems requires more than technical expertise; behavioral and institutional factors, such as effective personnel management, must also be considered. Departments interested in implementing PCCC systems should begin with a needs assessment, develop a proposal, consider cost as well as quality in selecting a vendor, and commit vendors to a measurable level of performance. Careful staff training and continuing evaluation are important; the report provides an evaluation framework and suggests the development of a PCCC information clearinghouse. Flow charts, footnotes, data tables, and more than 100 references are included. Appendixes tabulate CAD system costs and list reported PCCC applications in the cities surveyed. (Author summary modified)