NCJ Number
79624
Date Published
1979
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This paper discusses the Federal Government's role in improving criminal justice information systems, with particular attention to legislative proposals which might shift responsibility for information system development from the LEAA to the Bureau of Justice Statistics.
Abstract
The paper outlines guiding principles for Federal programs that assist State and local agencies meet their information needs. The Federal Government should take the initiative in improving State and local capabilities, but these agencies must be consulted about their individual requirements in the planning process. Meaningful exchange of operational, managerial, and statistical information among justice agencies must be facilitated. Close coordination is needed between Federal statistical programs, systems development projects, technical assistance, and information policies. Finally, the Federal Government should promote the appropriate and timely adoption of new information technologies by criminal justice agencies. Legislation proposals to the 95th Congress regarding the national anticrime program establish separate statistical, research, and grant-in-aid bureaus and appear to shift information system development activities away from the LEAA. Deficiencies of these proposals are examined, particularly problems caused by placing information system matters within the Bureau of Justice Statistics. Weaknesses of other organizational alternatives are assessed, including decentralizing system development responsibilities to the program level and placing information system development within the department responsible for grant administration and technical assistance. The paper concludes that programs relating to justice information system development, technical assistance, and policymaking should be integrated.