Integrated criminal history records systems: Improving records in Los Angeles County (California)

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to determine user perception of improvement indicators. The study analyzes user perceptions of data quality improvement indicators in Los Angeles County police departments and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Improvement indicators were data audits, accuracy, automation of criminal history recordkeeping, ability to meet federal reporting standards, ability to identify felons accurately, ability to identify strategies for improving data quality, interagency cooperation, top-down commitment, and human resources.; Methodology. The study involved descriptive research. The population included all forty-six city police departments that share data with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Face-to-face interviews with knowledgeable agency representatives were used for data collection. These interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded onto a question/response matrix.; Findings. The respondents believed that there were positive improvement indicators in all but one area: human resources. Staffing levels at thirty-five agencies (75 percent) were not sufficient to ensure that work could be processed in a timely manner.; Conclusions and recommendations. There is automation of criminal history recordkeeping in Los Angeles County agencies as well as interagency cooperation in building integrated systems. Staff shortages affect the training provided to records clerks since little training is required by law. Staff shortages also affect the workload and retention of records personnel. Further study of workloads, hiring practices, and training should be done.