from Mark D. Holmes    (8/29/01):

As a mere fledgling in crime analysis, I follow LEANALYST daily and contribute whenever I have the opportunity. For the most part, I believe that members are forthcoming with information, however, I recently put out a request for any examples of sexual assault matrices and received nothing. I'm certain they are out there and being used...why the reluctance to share information such as this?

I am currently finishing my intern hours with Oakland PD for certification with the California Department of Justice and included a signature to this effect so that it would legitimize the request....still nothing!

Mark D. Holmes, MA
Senior Analyst, Analytical Services
Madison Information Technologies
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
mholmes@madison-info.com

from Robert L. Schultz    (5/14/01):

In today's complex world of mobile people and electronic devices, crime knows no geographical limitation. Law enforcement agencies are faced with savvy criminals who often use tools that are more sophisticated than some agencies can afford.

One approach to "outflank" criminals and detect patterns of criminal activity is to share data among law enforcement agencies.

The challenges posed by the politics, financial resources, turf battles, and technology make "data sharing" a very current topic as well as a very complex one.

In order to avoid "recreating the wheel" and duplicating efforts, there is need for many minds to come together and discuss:

• the pros and cons of data sharing (fears, concerns, perceived obstacles, etc.)
• the participants (who will share data, etc.)
• pre-planning for data sharing (technology survey, what kind of data to share, etc.)
• finding a project coordinator (acceptable to all parties involved; sworn or civil, etc.)
• security issues (password access, secure socket, etc.)
• intranet and iternet options
• data sharing with the public (neighborhood watch groups, beat info, etc.)
• the technology (hardware, software, common criminal report form, mobile data, etc.)
• the role of the internet (crime analysis, crime mapping, virtual task forces, chat meetings, etc.)
• financing data sharing (grant sources, pooling of resources, etc.)
• implementation of data sharing (time line, assigned tasks, etc.)

Just a few ideas for your consideration.