What is LEITSC?

The International Association of Chiefs of Police, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, National Sheriffs' Association, and the Police Executive Research Forum make up LEITSC or "the Council". Four members (one from each organization), four staff liaisons (one from each organization), and a project manager make up "the Council". Together, participants from these organizations present the law enforcement community as a whole on information technology standards related issues.

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What is the mission of LEITSC?

The mission of LEITSC is to foster the growth of strategic planning and implementation of integrated justice systems by:

• Promoting the merits of information technology standards

• Providing assistance to the law enforcement community on the implementation of standards

• Sharing practical solutions and best practices

• Representing the voice of law enforcement on standards development issues

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Has LEITSC developed information technology (IT) standards for the law enforcement community?

Yes, LEITSC recently published Standard Functional Specifications for Law Enforcement Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) and Records Management Systems (RMS). The standard functional specifications will help guide law enforcement agencies during the Request for Proposal (RFP) and procurement process. They are designed  to inform law enforcement about the basic functional requirements that all CAD systems and RMS should have in order to achieve interoperability. In addition, LEITSC developed Information Exchange Package Documents (IEPDs) using the Global Justice XML Data Model.

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What is CAD (Computer Aided Dispatch)?

CAD is a computer system that assists 911 operators and dispatch personnel in handling and prioritizing calls. Enhanced 911 will send the location of the call to the CAD system that will automatically display the address of the 911 caller on  a screen in front of the operator. Complaint information is then entered into the computer and is easily retrievable. The system may be linked to MDC (mobile data computers) in patrol cars allowing dispatchers and officers to communicate without using voice. The system may also be interfaced with the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL), or a number of other programs.

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What is RMS (Records Management System)?

An RMS stores computerized records of crime incident reports and other data. It may automatically compile information for Uniform Crime Report (UCR) or National Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS) reporting. These systems can perform greater functions when integrated with other systems such as CAD and global positioning (GPS).

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What is a MDC (Mobile Date Computer)?

MDC is a microcomputer used by public safety agencies in the field to access databases or information on persons and property. The MDC uses wireless communication and allows an officer to exchange information with the dispatcher and other officers without using voice channels.

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What is an IEP or IEP Documentation (Information Exchange Package Documents)?

An IEPD is a collection of artifacts that describe the structure and content of an information exchange. It describes that data involved in an exchange, but odes no specify  other interface layers (such as web services). IEPDs are created using the GJXDM and/or NIEM data models.

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What are the Standard Functional Specifications?

Standard Functional Specifications define the work that a system is expected to perform. For purposes of the LEITSC project, the list of requirements governs, defines and/or regulates specific tasks, activities, and operations that a CAD system and RMS should perform as baseline capabilities from a practitioner's perspective.

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Why were the Standard Functional Specifications for Law Enforcement CAD and/or RMS developed?

Before such systems are procured, agency staff must research available technology , conduct needs assessments , and write Requests for Proposals (RFPs), all of which require time and money. Defending RFPs and the decisions made as a basis for them can be problematic if transparency and objectiveness cannot be documented. These tasks are often performed in a vacuum, with each agency essentially "reinventing the wheel" in defining their requirements, despite the fact that many functions are common in most commercially available systems. The functional specifications mitigate these issues by providing consistent guidelines that save time and promote interoperability.

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Who participated in the development of the Standard Functional Specifications for Law Enforcement Cad and/or RMS?

LEITSC developed two committees, known as the LEITSC Functional Standards Committees, to develop the specifications for CAD and RMS. The CAD Functional Standards Committee included law enforcement practitioners and industry representatives who were knowledgeable in CAD. The same idea was used for the RMS Functional Standards Committee to develop the RMS specifications.

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What are the benefits of using the Standard Functional Specifications for Law Enforcement CAD and/or RMS to public safety and industry?

• Serve as a basis for assessing the effectiveness of business processes and existing IT systems

• Identify functions to be supported by IT systems

• Help identify common data and exchange points for sharing information with other agencies

• Serve as a tool to facilitate information sharing between CAD systems and RMS

• Insure customer satisfaction by decreasing gaps in communication between vendor and customer

• Facilitate meaningful vendor responses to RFPs

• Serve as a guide to build to and help reduce the proliferation of incompatible systems that are expensive for both agency and vendor

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My agency would like to use the Standard Functional Specifications for Law Enforcement CAD and/or RMS. What kind of help can the LEITSC provide?

LEITSC can provide technical assistance to help you your agency. This resource is available at no cost. More information is available here or by contacting the LEITSC Project Manager, Heather Ruzbasan Cotter, at cotter@theiacp.org.

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Does LEITSC provide any financial assistance to law enforcement for implementing a new system using the Standard Functional Specifications?

While LEITSC does not provide financial assistance we can direct you towards potential funding sources.

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How is LEITSC funded?

LEITSC has existed since 2003 with on-going support from the Bureau of Justice Assistance and is currently supported by Grant No. 2006-LD-BX-K005.

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Whom can I contact for more information about LEITSC?

Please contact the LEITSC Project Manager, Heather Ruzbasan Cotter, for more information at cotter@theiacp.org or (703) 836-6767 ext. 275.

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