Original Date: 11/03/1996
Revision Date: 01/18/2007

In June 1996, Oak Ridge Centers for Manufacturing Technology (ORCMT) reviewed the Tennessee Corrections Department’s computer system for processing criminal information history. The state’s current database lacked easy accessibility; offered limited data and query capabilities; and processed requests slowly. In response, ORCMT has developed an electronic management system for compiling, retrieving, processing, storing, and tracking information on convicted criminals throughout the State of Tennessee.

National statistics show that 5% of the population commits 80% of the crimes and of these criminals, 70% will be repeat offenders. Therefore, statistics on habitual criminals provide valuable information to police officers, investigators, and prosecuting attorneys. By working with the Tennessee Department of Corrections and Knox County, Lockheed Martin Energy Research’s (LMER’s) Data Systems Research and Development (DSRD) extracted a state file with the necessary data elements for designing Data Share. This PC-based system uses Microsoft Access and provides users with the ability to query the database by name, social security number, FBI number, state identification number, physical characteristics, individual status, and type of offense. The system can be accessed by either a desktop personal computer or a laptop.

Since completing a working model, ORCMT has been extracting and compiling the remaining 140,000 files stored in the state’s database. The system will provide law enforcement officials with a quick and easy-to-use resource for solving crimes. In addition, ORCMT has been constructing an Internet version of its system, and future plans include developing software which can generate statistics and trends.

For more information see the Point of Contact for this survey.