ODISOK.NET - What is ODIS?



3/10/2010

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ODIS MOTTO

The ODIS project seeks to provide a viable, cost-effective records management system to the ever increasing demands placed on law enforcement agencies while addressing the present and future problems of data collection integration, sharing and ongoing management of such a system.

QUOTE

"Officers spend less time inside the police department completing reports and more time in the field."

Dewey Police Department

What is ODIS?

ODIS is a computerized records management tool to improve the capture, maintenance and quality of law enforcement data. Designed using Microsoft's DNA (Distributed interNetwork Architecture) programming model, the application is constructed using three tiers: database for storage, compiled application components to handle the business logic and the presentation layer which is what the user sees. ODIS is an entirely web based application that is capable of running in any combination of centralized or decentralized network environments.

ODIS strives to meet the ever increasing records management demands placed on the local law enforcement agencies in Oklahoma by addressing the present and future problems of data collection, integration, sharing and management. Much is required of these agencies, but little is provided to help them carry out their duties efficiently and effectively. In addition, these front-line departments are often the least supported in terms of manpower, technology, data management tools and other resources. This project assists by providing data and agency management tools and technical assistance to help law enforcement agencies fulfill their duties in an efficient, cost-effective manner. The ODIS project is built upon a foundation of service to and cooperation with local law enforcement agencies in Oklahoma. As a result of this close cooperation, the software program developed by the OCJRC staff is a reflection of the needs of the agencies participating in the project. The software application developed by our agency is designed to

decrease the level of duplication within the local agency and beyond
be utilized by all departments in an agency
be flexible
ensure accurate data collection and reporting
be secure
be cost effective
be easily managed and supported

It is not uncommon for an agency to have an array of separate programs such as an arrest, booking, mugshot, warrant, report writing, property inventory, etc installed at their site. The problem with this arrangement is that common data elements such as personal information has to be duplicated in each of the different applications to use them effectively. This is not an efficient method of record keeping and it created several problems of its own.

It is difficult to train new staff to use the multitude of different applications.
The duplicate entry problem is an inefficient use of scarce resources.
Each application has its own cost and support requirements.

The ODIS application addresses these problems by using one common interface that is accessible over a network to all departments in an agency. The core of the application includes the National Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS) module which is designed to replace Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) and strictly adheres to the reporting standards of the federal government and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI). Other modules incorporated into the application include jail management, sex offender registration, citation and case management, warrants, civil process, field interview, computer aided dispatch, civil process, property room tracking and others. In addition to these components, the ODIS application allows the entry of digital images of individuals, scars, marks and tattoos. An entire history of a person's involvement with the agency - whether it be for a booking, arrest, citation, warrant, missing person, owner of a piece of stolen property, etc. - can be viewed after conducting a general search. Integration of these different program elements has made the ODIS application a powerful record keeping and investigative tool for agencies that use it to its fullest capacity.

ODIS can run on a single computer, but is best utilized when run as a network application. The customized ODIS software is offered free of charge. The only costs borne by the local agencies is the purchase or upgrade of equipment necessary at each site and an equitable annual support contribution. The minimum list of hardware that is required consists of a network server, tape backup drive, backup tapes, modem, network and database software, client access licenses, network cabling, hub, digital camera and printer. The OCJRC works with each agency to utilize existing computer equipment in order to defray the costs as much as possible. Currently, the ODIS project receives the majority of its funding through the Edward Byrne Memorial Formula Grant Program. Through this program agencies that require additional computer hardware pay only 25% of the actual cost of the equipment.

One of the key motivations for the OCJRC to undertake the task of providing applications to law enforcement agencies in Oklahoma was to help reduce the cost element. Few Oklahoma law enforcement agencies can afford to purchase software programs and technical support offered by private vendors. Most software vendors do not generally conduct training, offer 24-hour support, or make user requested customizations without charging extra fees. These extras can be expensive and are often well beyond the budgets of local agencies. Agencies who have chosen to participate in the ODIS project have indicated that for them to purchase a law enforcement records management application similar to ODIS would have cost their agency anywhere from $40,000 to $500,000. This baseline price also does not include the additional costs associated with purchasing hardware, yearly support contracts, future upgrades and any customizations required to make the application compatible with their record keeping needs.

A key element of the ODIS project is to provide quality computer related technical support to law enforcement agencies. The OCJRC helps agencies to save money by acting as a technical resource and assisting with general computer support related problems. The majority of local law enforcement agencies in Oklahoma do not have a dedicated computer support person on staff to assist with information management or computer maintenance. This lack of expertise becomes critical when scarce resources must be spent replacing ineffective hardware and software or relying on expensive support contracts. Although the primary support focus is on the ODIS software program, agencies inevitably call on the project support staff for assistance in purchasing computer software or hardware, troubleshooting a hardware or software problem unrelated to ODIS or obtaining assistance on where to go for further information to fix a problem.

The Oklahoma Criminal Justice Resource Center provides technical support and services to the community through research and analysis of justice related issues; identifies appropriate policies and strategies based upon these findings; and assists with planning, developing and evaluating programs.