Existing information systems were found to cover a wide spectrum of items, such as statistical data, information on legislative reforms, and research results. The experts agreed that despite all the difficulties in collecting, evaluating, and disseminating information on crime trends and criminal justice, there is a need among official bodies and in the research community for statistics and other data on crime trends and criminal justice processes as well as data on successful and unsuccessful criminal policy and crime prevention innovations. It was emphasized that data are required not only on the substance of these innovations but on the social, economic, and cultural contexts in which they were introduced and implemented. Experts agreed that HEUNI could play an important role not only in identifying the sources of 'hard' and 'soft' data but also in disseminating pertinent information on these sources. In foreseeing the role of HEUNI in the collection, processing, and dissemination of information, the experts emphasized avoiding unrealistic objectives by engaging in a slow but steady expansion of services to cooperating countries. Documentation presented by the experts at the meeting is included.