BackTrack from StrandWare Helps Law Enforcement Agencies Track Evidence; Tracks Full Chain of Custody for All Types of Evidence.

Business/Technology Editors

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. and KEENE, N.H.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 6, 2001

The BackTrack(R)Group, a division of StrandWare(R)Inc., is offering a specialized add-on module, developed by specialty label manufacturer Electronic Imaging Materials (EIM) of Keene, N.H., that enables law enforcement personnel to label, track and control evidence. Offered as a free add-on to StrandWare's BackTrack tracking software, it provides an inexpensive way for large and small law enforcement agencies to ensure that evidence is properly controlled from the time it is collected until the case is closed.

Evidence tracking that will stand up in court

The BackTrack Evidence Tracking system presents customizable tracking fields that enable law enforcement personnel, using hand held bar code scanners, to control the storage and movement of evidence. Using BackTrack, users can record chain of custody through user check in/check out. The system allows users to add physical descriptions, case information, officer identification, and subject information right in the record. Additionally, evidence can be cross-referenced to other evidence items or files.

Each time the evidence is moved or checked out, the item is scanned to record the time, location, responsible person and other pertinent information. Using the inventory number, or any other field, the system provides reports on the chain of custody of the item. The system also provides reports on the cases, including evidence, officers, subject, and, for specific cases, reports on all information about a case. Reports are customizable to suit specific needs. All information that is needed for reporting can be set up to be tracked in user-defined fields in the BackTrack databases.

Commented Alex Henkel, executive vice president at Electronic Imaging Materials, "Each industry has its particular requirements for tracking. Law enforcement is extremely demanding since the proper control of evidence is critical. Cases have been lost due to the improper handling of evidence. This system uses BackTrack's core capabilities to deliver an easy-to-use, inexpensive system that is ideal for both small and large departments."

BackTrack is a comprehensive tracking system that includes a label designer, report designer and a series of databases, including those for user, location and transaction history. BackTrack applications also have security settings to allow some users access to only certain data, such as officer identification, or only to reports that include restricted information. This helps ensure that administrators can appropriately control information.

"This application module, developed by EIM, saves law enforcement agencies the hassle of adapting a generic tracking system to their needs, and avoids having to buy an expensive, custom-designed evidence system," said Mike Strand, StrandWare president and CEO. "This free add-on now makes sophisticated, yet easy to use evidence tracking practical for literally thousands of police stations and other law enforcement agencies."

The BackTrack Applications Library

The application announced today is part of the BackTrack Applications Library -- a series of applications for business, government and other organizations. The applications, developed by knowledgeable systems integrators and end users, are pre-packaged templates that allow users to quickly and easily implement fully developed solutions or use them as starting points for their own special tracking needs. In addition to the evidence tracking application, the Library includes applications for clinical labs, the law profession, manufacturing equipment tracking and maintenance, food handling, child protection and government agencies. All of the add-on applications are available for free at www.backtrackgroup.com in the "Product Uses" section. The name and contact information of the developers are listed in the event that further information or consulting services are required. Application add-ons require BackTrack version 4.2 or higher running on a personal computer with the Microsoft Windows platform.

About Electronic Imaging Materials

Founded in 1987, Electronic Imaging Materials provides bar code technology to automate industries from electronics to laboratory research. EIM provides software, hardware, and services to integrate bar code tracking into almost any existing process or system, enabling organizations to reduce errors, increase productivity, and improve communication. For further information contact EIM at 800/535-6987 or visit www.eiminc.com.

About StrandWare

StrandWare is a Microsoft Certified software manufacturer of a complete family of innovative bar code label design, printing and tracking software. Since its founding in 1988, StrandWare has been a pioneer in the data collection industry with groundbreaking PC-based labeling products that feature full graphic design capabilities and that support all common bar codes and label printers. StrandWare's BackTrack Group offers BackTrack tracking software that helps organizations cut costs by efficiently labeling, tracking and managing information. The company is a leader in Business Efficiency Solutions through Tracking (BEST) technologies. With a worldwide installed base of over 150,000, StrandWare's products are used by all of Fortune's top 15 companies and 65 of the top 100. Its software is sold through a network of over 2000 dedicated channel partners. For more information, contact StrandWare at 800/552-2331, fax [phone], or visit the company's Web site at www.strandware.com.

NOTE TO EDITORS: BackTrack and StrandWare are registered trademarks of StrandWare Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.