Electronic Bulletin Boards for Police Agencies

• NCJ Number: 113522
• Journal: Current Municipal Problems Volume: 14 Issue: 4 Dated: (1988) Pages: 435-441
• Author(s): R M Worley
• Date Published: 1988
• Length: 7 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article explains how police agencies can enhance community relations through an electronic bulletin board (EBB) that receives written comment from the public, disseminates information, and solicits opinion.

Abstract

To obtain maximum public relations benefits of an EBB, a microcomputer, or personal computer (PC), with a hard-disk storage unit is needed. This article examines software for the IBM PC with attention to RBBS-PC, PCBoard, modems, and dedicated telephone lines. The three sections of the EBB are explained: (1) bulletins or static messages from the system operator, such as stolen car lists or crime summaries; (2) message bases which allow users to leave a message for the system operator, another user, or to all users of the EBB; (3) files system which allow users to share files. Police departments who establish EBBs should advertise the service through press conferences and flyers.