Metropolitan Police Chief Charles H. Ramsey today unveiled a comprehensive information technology strategy that will enhance community policing in the District of Columbia.
Called "Information Technology and the MPDC - Moving Into the Next Century," the Technology Strategy describes the high-tech component of the MPDC’s new "Policing for Prevention" strategy of community policing. Policing for Prevention includes focused law enforcement, neighborhood partnerships, and systemic prevention. The Technology Strategy describes the ways in which technology will be used to provide both police officers and residents with the information tools they need to succeed in making the District of Columbia’s neighborhood safer. Chief Ramsey stated:
"Let me be clear - I am not talking about buying a bunch of new computers. I am talking about using technology to fundamentally change the way the MPDC works with the community to police the District of Columbia. These new technologies will not only make our officers more informed and more efficient; they will also help free up more of the officers’ time to work directly with the community in solving problems. At the same time, new technology will make our residents more knowledgeable and more actively engaged in community policing."
Chief Ramsey highlighted a number of new information and communications systems the MPDC will adopt in the coming months. These systems include:
- A new 3-1-1 non-emergency call system and a new state-of-the-art computer-aided dispatch system. These systems will allow the MPDC to answer 9-1-1 calls more efficiently and provide officers with more information in responding to calls for service.
- Equipping every scout car with a mobile data computer that will provide officers in the field with access to timely and accurate information, and allow them to complete administrative tasks, such as writing and submitting police reports, from the field.
- A state-of-the-art information system, called Police Reporting and Information Delivery System (PRIDE). This system will provide officers with information regarding criminal histories, warrants, arrests, incidents, calls for service, stolen property, registrations, permits, and other necessary records. It will also link MPDC officers with national criminal justice databases and information from other law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
A crime mapping system that will provide officers and managers with easy-to-use and easy-to-understand maps that show emerging crime patterns in their police service areas, districts, and regional operations commands. This system, called IRMA (Information Retrieval for Mapping Analysis), will be accessible to officers in all districts.
- Expanding the scope of information available to the community through the MPDC’s web site - www.mpdc.org. Designed to facilitate community problem solving the web site allows users to locate the police service area in which they live; access crime statistics and wanted suspect information, learn about upcoming community meetings; and access a directory of their community’s problem-solving resources. Through a partnership with a web site called Crimereports.com, the MPDC is also providing the public with daily e-mail updates on crime and community policing events in their neighborhoods.
Chief Ramsey said:
"These technologies will help enhance officer safety and effectiveness. At the same time, they will encourage citizen participation in crime prevention efforts. New technology will allow us to manage our resources more effectively, and deliver a higher level of public safety service to those who live, work, and visit the District of Columbia."