HISTORY
Sgt. 151 A. Decosta, Constable 362 Rahming, Constable 1012 Burrows & W/Constable 902 Colebrooke
In 1989 The Royal Bahamas Police Force recognized the rapid technological changes worldwide, therefore the administration in consultation with the appropriate private and government organizations mapped a strategy for the acquisition of a computer system. This computer system was intended to provide a proper Management Information System (MIS), which would allow the RBPF to keep pace with advances worldwide and to respond effectively and efficiently to the challenges of what lay ahead. As a result Sgt.66 Ellison Greenslade, Sgt. 151 A. Decosta, Constable 362 Rahming, Constable 1012 Burrows & W/Constable 902 Colebrooke who were staff members of the Research & Planning Unit, were transferred to the new Computer Development Centre (CDC). Sgt. 66 Greenslade was appointed Systems Manager and given the responsibility for the daily operations of the center. At midnight, on February 12, 1990 a computer pilot project was implemented at the Carmichael Road Police Station; however, limited success was realized due to the restricted mode of operations established. Notwithstanding these circumstances, the project set the mode for the rapid automation of every police station in the organization.
On April 1, 1996 automation revolutionized the reporting process in the organization. A new format for the collation and reporting of crime statistics was implemented in the RBPF. The computer statistic formed the source from which management extracted pertinent data for decision-making purposes. Therefore, divisional commanders ensured that a suitable sub-officer (station sergeant) was appointed at each station or department to ensure that all incidents, that were reported to the police, are properly documented, classified and up-dated in a timely manner. To facilitate the implementation of these new procedures, a massive training program was conducted by the Computer Development Centre.
It cannot be disputed that the entry of automation in the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) is the most significant and crucial part of the operational process in the Royal Bahamas Police Force and by extension the Government Service post 1973.
The introduction of an emergency 919/911 systems that is housed at the police control room has propelled a manual organization to an automated environment. The area now consists of police dispatchers, emergency medical technician dispatchers and civilian call takers. This make up of Emergency Medical Technicians and Police now using the same System, clearly show that resources can be effectively shared between agencies of common interest, thus reducing Government expenditure while delivering a first class product. This milestone accomplishment has positioned the Police as the model for Government agencies in the Bahamas and in fact the region. Due to our proficiency in the area of computer aided dispatching, the RBPF is often showcased and serve as the model by all of our hardware and software vendors.
HARDWARE & SOFTWARE INVENTORY
The Royal Bahamas Police currently have an IBM AS/400-Risc 820 processor that forms the hub for all information processing and data storage for the Police Department, Emergency Medical Response and Her Majesty’s Prison. The machine was acquired two years ago and we anticipate that it will remain adequate for its current users for the next three years. The organization has also enjoyed significant benefits by way of our Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) which has been in operation for more than ten years.
There is also a second AS/400 that is housed at the Freeport Grand Bahama Police Headquarters facility that will be used to provide redundancy support for the Control Room Computer Aided Dispatching module in New Providence. To facilitate the transmission of data to headquarters from remote sites, dedicated Data Circuit Lines were leased from Bahamas Telecommunication Company and in certain areas Virtual Private Networks are utilized.
Due to the archipelagic make up of the Bahamas it was necessary to find a way to allow the Commissioner of Police in New Providence to communicate with the Assistant Commissioner in Grand Bahama in real time, hence in January 2004 the commanders meetings (COMPSTAT) was held with officers in New Providence and Grand Bahama via Video Conference (real time). We anticipate this technology will decrease the amount of funds expended over the years where officers from Freeport and the Family Islands have to travel to Nassau. This project is still active and Family Islands namely Abaco and Exuma are near completion in preparation for anticipated development in those Islands.
ACQUISITION & INSTALLATION OF NEW SOFTWARE
The management of the computerization process is a colossal undertaking and one that is not to be taken lightly. A significant amount of funds has been expended and human resources exerted. To date, the infrastructure and other peripheral are valued in excess of six million dollars (B$6,000,000.00).
The software acquired consists of the following designed applications.
Computer Aided Dispatching (CAD) (H.T.E)
Records Management (CRIMES) (H.T.E)
Crackdown (H.T.E)
Imaging ( SI-3000 )
Schedule Manager (H.T.E)
Jail Main Menu (H.T.E)
E911-enhance (H.T.E)
Personnel (H.T.E)
Fleet/Equipment Management (H.T.E)
Data Mobile Terminal ( SCA Motorola)
The environment of the Police Information Technology System is very healthy. This can be attributed to the forward planning of the past and present management. The foresight of the initial framer of the entire integration process cannot be overlooked. What is being implemented today in law enforcement automated environment was born in the mind of the Police thirteen (13) years ago. Hence, it is no accident that we are realizing great successes today.The Police Department has proven that we have the local talent to plan properly and find the solution to effectively and efficiently manage the substantial volume of cases and information that we deal with on a daily basis.
SITES
With more remote sites than any other Department/Agency or Corporation, we can be considered a model in the Information Technology field as all sites are being effectively managed and maintained. We have delivered automated environments to the following sites:
Police Headquarters
District Headquarters
Southern Station
Grove Station
Central Division
Traffic Station
Internal Security
Carmichael Division
Drug Enforcement Unit
Cable Beach Station
Eastern Division
Northeastern Division
Southeastern Division
Criminal Records Office
Bring Automation to the entire Bahamas
Grand Bahama & Family Island Connectivity
Police Headquarters ,G.B.
Lucaya, G.B.
Eight Mile Rock, G.B.
West End, G.B
Cat Island
Long Island
Bimini
Harbour Island
Eleuthera
Abaco
Exuma
Andros
Inagua
San Salvador