Databases and Specialized System Databases
This tipsheet discusses how different databases work including some specialized system databases that require collaboration from multiple partners in the community. Examples of specialized system databases include Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) that often link with the FBI’s National Crime Information Center (NCIC), offender management systems, and, victim notification systems (VNS).
It highlights how Office of Violence Against Women (US DOJ-OVW) grantees are or might use various databases. It covers benefits, risks and things to consider with various databases including necessity, functionality, privacy, client information, cost, security, access trails, audit trails, data storage, safety planning, confidentiality, and informed consent.
This piece was created by the NNEDV Safety Net Project to assist U.S. DOJ Office of Violence Against Women (DOJ-OVW) grantees, (agencies and partnerships) and grant reviewers with identifying and addressing victim safety concerns that can arise from using databases. This tip sheet is meant to help with issue spotting. It is understood that a more in-depth look of the grantee’s technology plans and implementation may be necessary to fully ensure a grantee is most effectively addressing victim safety concerns.
Download: Databases and Specialized System Databases (4 page PDF)