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Collaborations and Applications: Exchange of Information Between Facilities Can Improve Safety, Cut Costs

NCJ Number
169003
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 59 Issue: 4 Dated: (July 1997) Pages: 64,66-67
Author(s)
R A Wilkinson; P Ritchie-Matsumoto
Date Published
1997
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Advances in technology increase the possibilities for interagency collaboration within criminal justice and between criminal justice and other agencies to save time and money; increase efficiency; and provide greater security for inmates, correctional personnel, and the public.
Abstract
Collaboration between correctional facilities and local bureaus of motor vehicles could save resources and money by sharing information obtained through compatible photo identification systems. Several States are involved in collaborative efforts through formal criminal justice information system planning; the goal is to coordinate the development of information technology systems and services to support administration and strategic management of the criminal justice system. Internet technologies can be applied to intranets and extranets to transfer information electronically within all major criminal justice systems from one point of entry. Telemedicine can save money and enable prison medical care professionals to collaborate with medical professionals around the country. Mapping software and geographic information systems enable correctional administrators to code offender addresses geographically and plan, access, and report information geographically. The use of CD-ROMs and virtual reality in treating mental and behavioral disorders will change treatment forever.