Aggravated assault figures fell by 6 percent, and rape statistics fell by 4 percent. In 1999, the number of violent crimes was 20 percent below the 1995 figure and 21 percent below that recorded in 1990.

The 1999 crime index rate — 4,267 offenses per 100,000 population — was 8 percent lower than in 1998. Compared with the 1990 rate, 1999’s was more than a quarter lower at 27 percent, and 19 percent lower than the 1995 rate. Overall, the FBI has recorded eight straight years of crime-rate decreases.

Experts point to a variety of factors that likely are driving the decreasing rate, including a strong economy, changing demographics, advanced technology and innovative law enforcement tactics such as community policing. Equally important has been the upgrade and integration of information technology used b

This data, which includes the specific times and locations at which the crimes and enforcement activities took place, is forwarded to the chief of the department’s CompStat Unit, where it is collated and loaded into a citywide database. A computer analyzes the data, and a weekly CompStat Report is generated.

“The goal should be to make data as widely available as possible,” said John Agliato, Florida Department of Corrections chief of systems development. “The future involves two things: maintaining your operations at a high level and sharing data electronically, not only with colleagues in law enforcement but with the public. We’re on the edge of that future.”6

Desktop PCs are in all parole offices, and probation officers using cell phones and laptops can monitor their charges. About 500 offenders have been outfitted with ankle bracelets that are trackable by satellite, with information instantly available on computerized maps. Should convicts pass too close to off limits “hot zones,” areas where day-care centers and schools are located, alarms in the bracelets sound. If the behavior persists, officers will apprehend paroled lawbreakers and incarcerate those under house arrest.

Particularly in the last five years, law enforcement has been applying new IT (Information Technology) tools and techniques that automate record keeping and facilitate information sharing on arrests, convictions and criminal profiles with colleagues across time and geography.

The FBI has the most advance automated fingerprint identifications system in use today in the world. Size, accuracy, throughput — the works. It answers yes or no and it doesn’t come back with maybes.

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