The department learned from the problems police in nearby Pawtucket and East Providence had with their communications software and decided to purchase the Datamax Technologies software used by Rhode Island for its criminal justice computers. Officers will also use the computers to write reports in their squad cars, allowing more time for community policing. Officials hope the database can be put on a secure intranet so agencies beyond the county could input and share such information. The database represents the growing realization that sharing information on sexual crimes with other police departments helps in the analysis of criminal patterns that helps solve cases. The Colorado Justice Information Network will go online in June with a test involving police in Grand Junction and La Junta and county sheriff's offices in Arapahoe, El Paso and Pueblo.
Residents can check on files such as judgments filed against businesses and individuals.