Release of ViCAP's "new" sexual assault software.

The FBI's Critical Incident Response Group's (CIRG) Violent Criminal Apprehension Program (ViCAP) is a nationwide data information center that collects, collates, and analyzes crimes of violence. Cases submitted to ViCAP are compared with all cases in ViCAP's database to identify similar ones. The database, in existence since 1985, currently contains in excess of 168,000 cases of homicide, sexual assault, missing persons, and unidentified death. (1)

Currently, ViCAP has more than 18 crime analysts, along with program management personnel, instructional technology (IT) specialists, over 900 law enforcement agency clients throughout the United States, and a decentralized database management system all working together to solve violent crimes. Crime data is entered in a law enforcement organization's ViCAP client workstation at the user end and is provided in electronic format via their Law Enforcement Online (LEO) connection to CIRG. Alternatively, agencies can mail a media disk or hard copy of the data to ViCAP for entry in the system. The crime analysts collect all data and compare, analyze, link, and help solve crimes using the tools offered by ViCAP. However, due to the growth of the program, the current computer system and mode of operation has become too costly to operate due to the original system requirements and software licensing costs.

Creation of a Web-based Application

The FBI's Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division, Information Technology Operations Division (ITOD), and ViCAP have developed a short-term plan. The ITOD IT staff is working on a new design of the ViCAP system to deploy in fiscal year 2006. ViCAP is developing applications to enable the current client server-based application to transition to a more robust and user-friendly Web-based one. The updated system will eliminate the need for many of the system licenses required under the current design. Also, it will take advantage of the LEO system capabilities and allow local and state users to utilize their own suite of computers for data entry. These efforts will help save significant amounts of money once deployed. Further, users will be able to search on any field or combination of fields across the entire ViCAP database. Other advantages of a Web-based application include--

* a centralized database;

* instantaneous access to the database;

* no importing and exporting;

* easier maintenance;

* servers and a database in one location;

* no distribution of software to agencies; and

* structured and full-text searches.

Since July 1, 2005, ViCAP case data can be accepted only via LEO e-mail through portable storage media (e.g., CD-ROM, floppy diskette) or a hard copy. The LEO network is a secure means by which all state and local law enforcement agencies can share information with the FBI (and each other) via the Internet at no cost.

A New Component

ViCAP recently developed a comprehensive Sexual Assault Report form and designed, created, and implemented a corresponding application to work in conjunction with both the ViCAP Client Server and Client Server applications. (2) As a result of successful beta testing, a limited release of ViCAP Sexual Assault Version 3.0 software occurred on November 11,2005, via ViCAP's sub-SIG (Special Interest Group) on the FBI's LEO. This sub-SIG, "The ViCAP Law Enforcement Administrators (LEA) Area" is restricted for use only by approved ViCAP LEAs, the primary person responsible for the day-to-day operation and administration of the ViCAP system within a law enforcement agency. (3) The ViCAP 3.1 features the new sexual assault component, so it is even more crucial that law enforcement-sensitive data does not travel across the Internet. Therefore, ViCAP will deploy the 3.1 version via the secure LEO Web site, which allows for the additional security features of:

* verifying that all users are entitled to be on LEO and are law enforcement personnel;

* ensuring that LEO issues all accounts and that users employ complicated passwords;

* using VPN technology, which allows users to enter LEO encrypted through the Internet from any location; and

* adding another form of security by using SIGs.

Releasing the Sexual Assault Version 3.1 through LEO provides ViCAP with an opportunity to begin instituting the necessary minimum administrative and technical requirements agencies need to successfully convert from their existing standalone systems to the ViCAP Web. This transition is scheduled for the second half of fiscal year 2006.

Due to the size of the download, approved LEAs should obtain broadband Internet access prior to initiating a download. A CD will be available for LEAs who do not have broadband access or are not interested in participating in the ViCAP Web but want to obtain Version 3.1 software. ViCAP LEAs should complete the ViCAP Sexual Assault Version 3.0 Download Request form and send it directly to the ViCAP administrative program manager, Special Agent Gary Cramer, via email at [e-mail]. The ViCAP unit chief, system administrator, and information security officer will determine who receives permission to download the file. Once approval is granted, ViCAP's LEO SIG moderators will then extend ViCAP SIG and sub-SIG access to the download site.

The FBI provides the free ViCAP software to any law enforcement agency that has entered into a formal memorandum of understanding (MOU) with ViCAP. Many large and small departments nationwide have embraced the program. Agencies that would like to enter into an MOU with ViCAP are encouraged to call 703-632-4254 and ask for the ViCAP regional program manager assigned to their geographical location.

For agencies currently using ViCAP 2.33 or an earlier version, the major enhancement in the new edition is the inclusion of several screens of sexual assault data. The installation includes a migration utility that makes changing 2.3 data to ViCAP 3.1 nearly effortless. Any agency that currently does not have ViCAP (any version) should go to the download area to get ViCAP 3.1. Agencies running a version prior to 2.33 should contact Randy Avis at 703-632-4176 or by e-mail at [e-mail] for instructions on upgrading their database. A number of technical upgrades essential to continued successful operation are available.

Endnotes

(1) For more information on the FBI's ViCAP program, see Eric W. Witzig, "The New ViCAP: More User-Friendly and Used by More Agencies," FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin, June 2003, 1-7.

(2) ViCAP data currently reside on a Sybase Adaptive Server Small Business Edition (12.5) database, and the application runs on Windows 95, 98, NT, 2000, and XP workstations connected to a server.

(3) Only LEAs who have entered into and signed a formal memorandum of understanding (MOU) with ViCAP, actively participate in the program, and have submitted the required ViCAP Sexual Assault Version 3.0 Download Request Form for approval will be granted access to this site. The form can be accessed via LEO at ViCAP's open SIG area. Active participation is defined as the routine submission of cases for inclusion into the national ViCAP database.

RELATED ARTICLE: System Requirements

Minimum system requirements needed to operate the current version of ViCAP software include

* Pentium chip with 100 MHZ speed;

* Pentium 3;

* 128 MB of RAM;

* 17" monitor with XVGA capability;

* Windows 95 or higher;

* 1024 X 768 resolution;

* CD ROM;

* SQL Anywhere, Version 5.5, by Sybase, except for the free, stand-alone install that ViCAP provides; and

* 40 MB of hard drive space (40 MB is required for ViCAP installation only, additional space will be necessary as the database grows and imaging features are added. Any recently purchased computer will exceed the minimally acceptable requirements.).

Note: Agencies that have signed an MOU with ViCAP and currently operate ViCAP software should ensure that they are running ViCAP version 2.3 or higher. Agencies that require additional information concerning system requirements should contact ViCAP Technical Project Manager Anthony Gallo at 703-632-4184 or by e-mail at [e-mail].