Traditionally, among the lower ranks of police culture, the prevailing concerns regarding information use are the avoidance of "within-the-job" trouble and the protection of higher ranking officers. Consequently, much routine police work has not been directly supervised, and monitoring has been limited. Initial and followup interviews were conducted among 95 area constables in the Greater Manchester (UK) Police Force from 1986 to 1990. Findings suggest that police culture still shapes patterns in the use of information. Higher ranking officers need to involve themselves more in monitoring activities and should develop a reward and incentives-based, rather than punishment-centered, system of performance review. High- and low-ranking officers should break down the barriers that insulate them from the complexities of operational police work. Further, use of computer-based information technologies proves ineffective without careful planning and preparation. 26 references