This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
New police database provides hyper-local info to law enforcement
The head of the California Department of Corrections Matthew Cate is flanked by LAPD Chief Charlie Beck and L.A. County Sheriff Lee Baca.
(
Frank Stoltze/KPCC
)
Listen
1:04
New police database provides hyper-local info to law enforcement
New police database provides hyper-local info to law enforcement
Southern California law enforcement officials Tuesday unveiled a new database designed to help them better understand the neighborhoods they police. It's believed to be a first-of-its kind system.
The Community Based Information System was the brainchild of civil rights attorney Connie Rice.
“This gives officers and parole officers as well as community leaders a 3D CAT scan on the community," Rice told a news conference at Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department headquarters.
Rice’s Advancement Project developed the database with partial funding from a federal grant.
Rice, a member of the KPCC board, said the database includes hyper-local information on languages spoken, community leaders, gang turf, student test scores, housing help, drug treatment and job training programs.
Matthew Cate heads the state Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, one of the agencies that’ll use the database.
“Community Based Information System is exactly what parole needed to help our agents get our offenders in the right program at the right time," Cate said. He said it'll help "prevent them from re-offending and coming back into our prisons.”
Sponsored message
Police say it will also help them predict where crime is most likely to occur.
The L.A. and Orange County Sheriff’s Departments and the LAPD also plan to connect every patrol car computer to the new system.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
