ol for helping police prevent crimes in the future as well as for helping them to deal with crimes when they occur in the present. In recent years, many police departments have begun using computers for the purpose of "computer-assisted dispatch" (also known as CAD). Computers are an important factor in this aspect of police work because they allow dispatchers "to know the placement and availability of patrol units at all time." Computers allow police departments to make more efficient use of their patrol units as well as enabling dispatchers to get those units to emergencies more quickly. Some police departments have even installed microcomputers in the patrol cars themselves. This makes the job of the individual officer much easier as well as more efficient. With a computer in the patrol car, "an officer can immediately identify stolen cars, wanted persons, and persons with criminal records."
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