NCJ Number
215260
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 54 Issue: 8 Dated: August 2006 Pages: 68,70,72
Date Published
August 2006
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article describes Memex's development of a series of intelligence-gathering software tools that work together to create a seamless, easy-to-access, yet secure intelligence database.
Abstract
The system, simply called "Memex," is based on the Windows operating platform and is designed to be available to all PC-using officers on a force, whether at the precinct or in their laptop-equipped patrol cars. Information on suspicious persons and events observed by an officer can be entered into the database, which automatically compares the new files created against its existing database and makes inquiries about them from other police databases, whether Memex-based or not. The system also allows the reporting officer to set a level of importance to the data, alert other Memex users of its existence, and even ask them to follow up specific elements of an incident. Further, the data can be sent to officers in the field, as long as they have password access to the Memex database from their mobile computers or PDAs. Memex tracks who accesses the data and what they viewed. Memex has been designed to file intelligence information in a uniform, logical, and easy-to-compare fashion. Also, the files generated are designed to meet key criteria that ensure information is properly recorded and verifiable. Memex's Link Management tool records how certain tips are linked to one another, the strength of the links, and the actions taken to date in investigating them. Memex also allows users to create maps that show where tips were generated or the locations to which they pertain. Memex is currently being used by the CIA, the Defense Intelligence Agency, the FBI, and New Scotland Yard, among others.