CATCH: Computer Assisted Tracking of Criminal Histories system

The Atlanta Police Department uses CATCH, a data-based support system for investigating homicide, rape, and aggravated assault cases to find common patterns in the records of thousands of current and past criminal cases stored on paper and microfilm. Discovery of a common pattern enables investigators to focus on the few cases that may help them to solve a particular crime. In 1988, the authors implemented a prototype microcomputer-based version. In 1989, the city’s bureau of management information systems built CATCH as a mainframe system. Atlanta police have used it to solve several crimes and to increase users’ involvement in expanding investigative support functions. An Atlanta Police Department management group is now promoting automated investigative support, setting project priorities, and making resources available.