BRITISH POLICE SETS UP NEW COMPUTERISED DATABASE AVAILABLE TO EC-POLICE SERVICES
The British "Police Scientific Development Branch" (PSDB) is developing a technological support and equipment related computerised system for use by the police services of the EC and other related agencies. The service will be known as the EPI-Centre (European Police Information Centre).
The EPI-Centre will provide:
- An international Police equipment and technology database including published papers, past and present research projects and programmes, and proposed projects and programmes.
- Conferencing facilities, whereby two or more interested parties (police, scientists, technicians, and eventually suppliers and manufacturers etc.) can engage in public, group dialogue on any related subject. Others may then contribute to the conference.
- An electronic mail facility, whereby two parties may engage in private correspondence.
- Access to related databases through negociated "gateways" to other police related information sources.
- Access to best international advice. many experts will be associated with the system either directly or indirectly through their involvment with police forces or private companies. As a starting point, all of the scientists and technicians at the PSDB will be peronally available through the system.
- Access to specialist databases. Subject-based information on specialist topics will be made available where any interest is shown or need identified. Already available are databases such as Manufacturers/Suppliers Dictionary, Aviation Services etc.
- General policing information including, for example, Police Almanac, equipment and systems currently in use by forces, details of police forces' PSDB liaison officers as contact points etc.
The EPI-Centre will be available to UK police forces 24 hours per day from October 1993. Acces will be free to all European police forces and related agencies following full implementation in the UK. Costs to users will only be incurred with regard to telephone charges for calling the system by modem.
The system will be based upon the combination and enhancement of the existing PSDB Information Service Dtabase and its prototype computerised system.
Condensed from the Annual Report 1992-3 of the Police Scientific Development Branch of the United Kingdom Home Office.