Crime-Fighting Computer Kits Distributed To Police
The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation plans to use Internet-ready computers to allow every law enforcement agency to immediately search prison records, crime scene photos, and other suspect information, says the bureau’s Jessica Brown.
Many police departments received the computers, along with a digital camera, photo printer, and docking station as part of a statewide information-sharing network. The computer equipment was funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security with a $2.5 million grant.
“This will make things so much easier,” says Blanchard Police Department chief detective Jim Tyler. “It’s almost mind-boggling how much information will be available that quickly.”
The Oklahoma Law Enforcement Information Exchange program is starting the program off by providing state-of-the-art computers and equipment for agencies that do not have them, according to project manager Gary Morgan.
The next step is connecting them to a statewide network of data from nine state agencies that will be updated on a daily basis.
Abstracted by the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center(NLECTC) from the Daily Oklahoman (05/17/06); Rabe, Josh.