http://www.drmauricegodwin.com/vicap.htm
Dr. Maurice Godwin
"Several projects have been undertaken to develop computerized classification systems based on the offender's actions in the crime. These include the use of computer technology to coordinate large data-bases to link offenders' crime scene antecedents a cross different jurisdictions. For example, a small number of Police in the United Kingdom have developed their own computerized data-base for linking violent criminals, for example, HOLMES. In the USA, the FBI has a linking system called the Violent Criminal Apprehension Program (VICAP). Other state linking systems are HALT in New York State and HVITS in the state of North Carolina. Broadly, the systems incorporate similar approaches to VICAP. Briefly, VICAP is a computer data base which depends on local and state police agencies to complete a check list of 186 questions about solved and unsolved crimes in their jurisdictions. T he computer system is designed to flag similarities that might otherwise go unnoticed, for example, in unsolved murders. While these technological advancements have provided law-enforcement officials with more efficient ways of storing and managing data, there are inherent problems."
