Evaluation of a Police-implemented AVM [automatic Vehicle Monitoring] System: Phase I, with Recommendations for Other Cities : a Summary Report

Richard C. Larson · Kent W. Colton · Gilbert C. Larson

Jan 1977 · Department of Justice, Law Enforcement Assistance Administration, National Institute of Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice

About this ebook

This two-part report 1) summarizes the results of an evaluation of an Automatic Vehicle Monitoring (AVM) system, implemented on a trail basis in the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department; and 2) outlines recommendations for individuals who are interested in pursuing police applications of AVM and other new technologies. The AVIM system discussed in Part I is a computer-aided dead-reckoning type, which was implemented as a Phase I prototype system in one police district early in 1975. The evaluation methodology employs a three-pronged analysis of the technology, police operations and attitudinal and organizational impact. Attention is focused on operational performance of the Phase I system, its effect on police operations, such as response time, officer safety, voice-band congestion and command and control, and the effect on attitudes of the police personnel involved in the Phase I program. The recommendations provided in Part II attempt to relate the potential advantages and disadvantages of AVM to those of other new technologies, such as computer-aided dispatching (CAD) and 911. A process is outlined in which a police department can evaluate its own AVM needs. For those planning to implement an AVM system, certain guidelines are suggested in each of the three important evaluation areas: technological, operational and attitudinal. For those interested in greater detail of the St,, Louis AVM evaluation, a larger document entitled Evaluation of an Implemented AVM System: Phase I is available from the Office of Evaluation, National Institute of Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement Assistance Administration, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, D.C. 20531.