NCJ Number
26359
Journal
Government Data Systems Volume: 3 Issue: 1 Dated: (JANUARY/FEBRUARY 1973) Pages: 18-19
Date Published
1973
Length
2 pages
Annotation
DESCRIPTION OF A COMPUTERIZED INFORMATION SYSTEM DEVELOPED BY THE LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT WHICH USES POLICE CRIME REPORTS TO MATCH CRIMES TO PATTERNS OF KNOWN CRIMINAL, LEADING TO THEIR IDENTIFICATION AND CAPTURE.
Abstract
THE HEART OF THE SYSTEM IS A COMPUTER FILE CONTAINING BASIC INFORMATION ABOUT MOST CRIMES AND ATTEMPTED CRIMES REPORTED IN LOS ANGELES. THE FILE INCLUDES A DESCRIPTION OF EACH CRIME; SUSPECTS AND THEIR TRADEMARKS; PHYSICAL DESCRIPTIONS OF SUSPECTS AND THEIR PERSONAL ODDITIES; PREMISES ATTACKED; WEAPONS USED; DATA, TIME, AND DAY OF THE WEEK; AND DESCRIPTIONS OF VEHICLES USED. THE COMPUTER NOT ONLY CLEARS PAST CRIMES, BUT HAS THE CAPACITY TO PREDICT (ON THE BASIS OF CORRELATED AND COMPOSITE DATA) THE PROBABLE TIME AND LOCATION OF FUTURE CRIMES AND GIVE POLICE A DESCRIPTION OF PERSON WHO WILL COMMIT THEM. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)