Issue link: http://lawandordermag.epubxp.com/i/109778
FOCUS RMS is Critical SUMMARY One of the most important purchases and considerations for any law enforcement agency is their information management or records management system. The RMS encompasses the entire system for maintaining that department���s information from the time that information is generated until it is no longer needed. MORE INFORMATION www.crimestar.com www.newworldsystems.com www.spillman.com www.sunridgesystems.com www.sungardps.com Hamilton County Dispatch Center, Indiana, has multiple stations to input data and easily access their RMS and CAD using New World Systems. (Photo courtesy of Hamilton County, Ind. Dispatch Center) RMS IS CRITICAL By Kathy Marks A good RMS is both an officer safety and a public safety issue. I nformation management begins with the frst contact with an individual, a traffc accident, a home invasion or a 9-1-1 call. When dispatchers answer the phone on a 9-1-1 call, the RMS data begins to fow into the system. One of the most important purchases and considerations for any law enforcement department is their information management or records management system, RMS. There are many systems on the market and in today���s economy, 30 LAW and ORDER I February 2013 pricing is often a major consideration. However, that cannot be the only thing driving the purchase because the system must work for that department, function consistently, and always be able to provide information when needed. Information management may seem like a dry topic but not to the people using it. Not being able to fnd information can be very frustrating. When information can���t be located, or is not immediately available, whether it is in the system or not, it can lead to offcer and community safety issues, increases in crime, and poor morale. Consider the scenario of a dispatcher trying to provide an offcer on a traffc stop with information about what might be a stolen car containing subjects that might be wanted and known for weapons��� offenses. If the RMS sys-