Emergent Social Software Platforms for the Sharing of and Collaboration on Criminal Information and Intelligence.

摘要

Information sharing and collaboration among federal, state, and local agencies has been repeatedly stressed as a part of the national security strategy. The emphasis has been on interagency communication and has largely left unaddressed the need for internal information system improvements. This thesis will examine how Web 2.0 technology as part of an emergent social software platform (ESSP) can be used to improve intra-agency law enforcement criminal information sharing and collaboration. Two case studies were conducted to examine current applications of Web 2.0 technology in secure environments. The hypothesis is that ESSPs have the potential to revolutionize policing by providing personnel with an advanced means of information sharing and collaboration. The resulting data and information will benefit internal and external intelligence activities. Human-computer interfaces that provide ease of use along with a structure that is mission focused will aid in implementing an ESSP. Integration with current systems and mobility also are important. Implementing an ESSP is not simply a technical issue, it also is a cultural one. For any ESSP to be successful, it must be implemented in a culture that values the free and efficient flow of information over traditional hierarchical systems.