Technology and Communication

Today in the criminal justice system technology has affected the communication capabilities of specialized databases. Mobile data terminals (MDT) and AFIS are just two examples of the different types of specialized databases in which will be will explain the positive effects because of these new technologies as well as the negative effects because of these new technologies. Also it will be discussed on new specialized technologies I might want to use and why.

Mobile data terminals (MDT) in many systems consist of a small computer screen and keyboard that allows direct communications electronically between law enforcement vehicles and the dispatcher or Records Management System (RMS) installed in each field vehicle (Wallace & Roberson, 2009). MDT permits the conversion of information without tying up radio involved rather than passing along and recording voice-transmitted information (Wallace & Roberson, 2009). Also MDT allows the dispatcher to cover a larger geographical area or more units (Wallace & Roberson, 2009). MDT works directly with the Computer-aided dispatch system (CAD) by talking, which is displayed to the dispatcher on the CAD terminal as well as the field officers on the MDT screen (Wallace & Roberson, 2009).

In the past, requests for information on vehicles, persons, license plates, etc. had to be first requested through the dispatch center, in which required an officer at a desk to look up the information in manual records or by making telephone calls to other agencies, or computer inquires (Kuhles, 2000). The way the system worked was time-consuming causing officers the loss of time by trying to acquire information (Kuhles, 2000).

Today the MDT is one of the most valuable and important tools available to the law enforcement as it has increased officer effectiveness by providing easier access to database files as well as increased officer safety and provides better communication capabilities (Kuhles, 2000). Officers today can have the necessary information allowing proper back up to ensure officer safety for the fact today's officers can know if a car is listed as stolen. Also if the driver's license is valid or suspended, or if the registered owner is wanted, and verify warrants, or wants in a faster time (Kuhles, 2000). Officers' also confirm information through dispatch.

The next specialized database is called the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS). The AFIS compares and sorts out fingerprint identification records relating to persons arrested throughout the state providing information to law enforcement agencies in the state. In addition, AFIS has become so important to law enforcement that a third multi-agency, multi-state computer network was created in support of it called Western Identification Network (WIN). WIN only supports the Western United States fingerprint databases for suspects (Roberson & Wallace, 2009).

According to, the Wisconsin Department of Justice in 2009 AFIS upgraded and interfaced with a new RapID mobile in which is a fingerprint scanner device (Wisconsin's Women Council, 2009). In Wisconsin, the AFIS specialists process fingerprints as well as palm prints by capturing images electronically by a live scan or card scan device and creates a National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) record (WILEnet, n.d.). The AFIS system compares the fingerprints or palm prints and identifies possible matches as well as interfaces with the FBI's Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS) allowing law enforcement agencies obtain and view the database nationwide and internationally (WILEnet, n.d.). Wisconsin's Department of Justice (DOJ) originally installed the AFIS in 1993, however, an upgrade was completed during the summer 2003 and is the warehouse for over one-million fingerprint records (WILEnet,

...