will record the names of individuals(whether these are persons arrested, suspects, accused, etc. ) Before embarking on the design of a computer system, it is essential to establish a common basis for recording such names, and for interpreting the The task of defining and recording the definitions of each data element can be facilitated by the use of automated data dictionaries which are designed to assist with the task of setting data standards, and for keeping track of what each data item in a system means and how it is used. Many of the newer tools for designing and building computer systems embody a data dictionary, which is necessary for the design and development of the system, and this can serve a more general role of assisting with the task of data administration. a database administrator should be nominated to take overall responsibility for maintaining the data dictionary as well as for maintaining the database itself. 5.7 System Implementation Once a computer program has been developed and tested, and the computer equipment to run it has been purchased, implementation of the system involves both installing the computer together with its communications lines and terminals, installing the computer program on the machine, and changing over from manual working to using the computer system. Although it perhaps sounds straightforward, and in some systems can be, careful planning is required if the process is to go smoothly. Considerable discussion with the potential users will be necessary to ensure that all staff concerned with the introduction of the computer system are aware of the proposed timetable for implementation, and what will be involved in the changeover. It is advisable to prepare a detailed timetable, showing what is expected to happen when, both as a means of keeping staff informed, and as a means of monitoring the implementation itself. which th an important component of the implementation of any new computer system is parallel running-in which the computer system is run in parallel to the existing manual (or computerised)methods, to ensure that the new system works correctly, that the staff are able to operate it satisfactorily, and that the information produced by the system is correct and accurate. In the event of any difficulties being experienced with the new system, the manual system, running in parallel, enables the organisation to function as normal. Parallel running does require extra staffing resources- since much of the work of the organisation required to be done twice -and as a result should be kept to a minimum, consistent with adequately ensuring that the new system works sufficiently reliably for the organisation to rely on it. Parallel running should continue for at least a month(to ensure that any end-of- month procedures are completed satisfactorily ) and for similar reasons may best be scheduled to include an end-of- year as well It is during the implementation of computer systems that the first effects of the system on the organisation start to become apparent. Normally, these effects should be planned for, and steps taken to prepare staff for them and normally, too, the effects are positive in their nature and are part of the reason for introducing computerisation in the first place. As a guide to the types of positive effects expected from computerisation in criminal justice 5.8 Training Another significant component of implementing a new system is the provision of training to the users who ill use it. Training is required at a number of levels I. For the users of the system, who will use the computer key boards to enter or retrieve information, or to initiate ctions on the computer I. For the staff who may not directly operate the computer system, but who will be required to work with the information produced by the computer, or to prepare information for it(the affected staff I. For line managers, whose staff may be required to operate the computer system or to work with it; L. For senior managers responsible for the sections of the organisation in which the computerisation will haywill record the names of individuals (whether these are persons arrested, suspects, accused, etc.). Before embarking on the design of a computer system, it is essential to establish a common basis for recording such names, and for interpreting them. The task of defining and recording the definitions of each data element can be facilitated by the use of automated data dictionaries which are designed to assist with the task of setting data standards, and for keeping track of what each data item in a system means and how it is used. Many of the newer tools for designing and building computer systems embody a data dictionary, which is necessary for the design and development of the system, and this can serve a more general role of assisting with the task of data administration. A database administrator should be nominated to take overall responsibility for maintaining the data dictionary as well as for maintaining the database itself. 5.7 System Implementation Once a computer program has been developed and tested, and the computer equipment to run it has been purchased, implementation of the system involves both installing the computer together with its communications lines and terminals, installing the computer program on the machine, and changing over from manual working to using the computer system. Although it perhaps sounds straightforward, and in some systems can be, careful planning is required if the process is to go smoothly. Considerable discussion with the potential users will be necessary to ensure that all staff concerned with the introduction of the computer system are aware of the proposed timetable for implementation, and what will be involved in the changeover. It is advisable to prepare a detailed timetable, showing what is expected to happen when, both as a means of keeping staff informed, and as a means of monitoring the implementation itself. An important component of the implementation of any new computer system is parallel running - in which the computer system is run in parallel to the existing manual (or computerised) methods, to ensure that the new system works correctly, that the staff are able to operate it satisfactorily, and that the information produced by the system is correct and accurate. In the event of any difficulties being experienced with the new system, the manual system, running in parallel, enables the organisation to function as normal. Parallel running does require extra staffing resources - since much of the work of the organisation required to be done twice - and as a result, should be kept to a minimum, consistent with adequately ensuring that the new system works sufficiently reliably for the organisation to rely on it. Parallel running should continue for at least a month (to ensure that any end-of￾month procedures are completed satisfactorily), and for similar reasons may best be scheduled to include an end-of￾year as well. It is during the implementation of computer systems that the first effects of the system on the organisation start to become apparent. Normally, these effects should be planned for, and steps taken to prepare staff for them, and normally, too, the effects are positive in their nature and are part of the reason for introducing computerisation in the first place. As a guide to the types of positive effects expected from computerisation in criminal justice. 5.8 Training Another significant component of implementing a new system is the provision of training to the users who will use it. Training is required at a number of levels: I. For the users of the system, who will use the computer keyboards to enter or retrieve information, or to initiate actions on the computer; I. For the staff who may not directly operate the computer system, but who will be required to work with the information produced by the computer, or to prepare information for it (the affected staff); I. For line managers, whose staff may be required to operate the computer system or to work with it; I. For senior managers responsible for the sections of the organisation in which the computerisation will have an impact;