Apparently you don't realize how impossible it would be to convert an existing software program to meet Portland's unique needs. Such needs as, delete all trace and trail relative to specific data that may at a later time be considered unfit for public disclosure. You need to think
"sensitive" here.

Between this and his "oh, yeah, I might have read a memo a couple years ago about that pawnshop thing" excuse, I must say I don't have tons of confidence in Chief Foxworth these days.

Seems like the Wi-Fi cloud might ease one of the other problems the Police Bureau has, which is trying to push their data through their radio network. And to think those laptops inside the squad cars look so high-tech! I'm afraid I read that article with a feeling of "here's another case of Portland putting so many conditions on a project that it doesn't ever happen". Case in point today's(?) article about the lack of bids for the city wi-fi project - which would probably be easy if it weren't for the need to filter content, charge for use, etc etc etc. It's enough to make one cynical!

Jack,
Didn't see the article, but I worked with the Bureas file management system in my former profession and while PPDS is a bit old looking and feeling (resembles a DOS program) in terms of data mining I thouhgt it worked extremely well. It didn't have a graphical interface like a MS Access or some of the on line investigative tools like AutotrackXP, but it is a very useful and information rich tool. An investigator can do a lot with the data, but its still that, data. Still takes a flat foot to go out and make the case. There is no online image of reports written, if that was a point in the article. But, I've seen Seattle, Vancouver, Salems, OSP, Clackamas County, and others and none of them (at least a few years ago) had that. It's a data base that allwos you to mine for information and tells you where to go get a hard copy report if you need it. Technology is fantastic, no doubt, but it still comes down to written reports (Typed or in Ink) and storing paper files. GIS based databases are coming around and that will be helpful. I didn't think that Portland, or the umpteen other agencies that contribute data and use PPDS for file and case management was "Turn of the last century". Cutting edge no.....Usable and Solid...I thought so.

it still comes down to written reports (Typed or in Ink) and storing paper files.

No it doesn't. If you're satisfied with that, no wonder the crooks have taken this place over.

It shouldn't come down to paper - we can do better. Consider this - those computers inside police cars cost somewhere around $10,000 to deploy and basically all they're doing, because of the limitations of the radio network, are sending text messages back and forth between the dispatch center (BOEC in Portland). Pretty crazy.

Hillsboro is doing some cool stuff that will allow them to have high speed internet access in the car to truly turn them into mobile offices. They are building a platform that will allow them to move away from pens and paper.

Just more proof that not all (or any?) good ideas come from Portland.

Well, perhaps a watchdog blog just on the development of various IT solutions to Portland's bureaucratic problems is in order.

Here's another Portland db, lost in the cyberspace - http://pdxartwork.blogspot.com/

It has been over four decades since librarians recognized that the successful evolution of their service required embracing the use of computerized systems. It's been three decades since public libraries throughout the country began converting to computerized systems - initially through homegrown approaches.

By the late '70's it was generally recognized that the development of common, vendor-developed systems that would allow integration with other library systems was the best approach. The primary impetus for the transition was fiscal as service demand was far outgrowing the operational budgets. Vendors could provide the needed product for a set amount and get it up and running much more quickly than a wonk tinkering in the back room ever could. It wasn't rocket science - the transition was relatively quick, the fiscal payback was within a few years and the service improvement was immediate and dramatic. Sure, some systems had shakedown problems but complexities arising from local customization needs was typically the issue and they were ultimately resolved.

By the late '80s most of the public libraries in Oregon were into either their first or second generation systems. Many are now into their third or fourth generation.

It's downright scary that the Portland Police Department has reached this point and still doesn't seem to get it. Perhaps it's time to contract with the library system to help them get this mess sorted out and back on track. Either that or give them a serious financial incentive.

You've all missed a very important point....PPD already has a powerful computer-based stolen goods inventory and tracking system.....eBay!....at 0 cost to taxpayers, no less.

What's the matter with horseback? The City could tout a green communication system. And there could be a new bureau to collect the droppings. Which commissioner would be first in line for the Bureau of Horses**t?

Thankyou for calling our fare city officials on there less than stellar performance.It feels as though they are not leader material but individuals that are misguided and looking to do.....something.When that something is discovered its the wrong something.Oye vay! K

PPDS works fine. You run the queries and call to get the report faxed over, no big deal. There are also other local, state and federal databases to utilize. I don't think it is the best expenditure of taxpayer money right now.

I'd rather not waste the tax money on the upgrades that seem to just never come to fruition. Read about the FBI’s Virtual Case File project fiasco and their attempts to create a modern case management system. From what I recall they were over $200 million mark with no useable system and more cost overruns predicted.

Let’s say they do get a whiz-bang web based computer system up and running and we can link property crimes to suspects and establish patterns. There aren’t enough resources in the DA's office to prosecute them and we sure as hell don’t have the jail space to house them.

Add to your info on problems with police records.
Several months ago I called records for info re: accidents in Linnton. The lady said Linnton isn't in Portland. My tax bill says it is. Later, I got a weak "sorry" from someone in the chief's office. Oh! And the lady in records said she was a supervisor.