New Jersey expands data-gathering system

New Jersey's law enforcement officials are rapidly expanding deployment of a statewide searchable system that collects, analyzes and disseminates information from disparate databases on possible terrorist and criminal activities.

The Statewide Intelligence Management System (SIMS) began two years ago, based on technology developed by Memex, which is headquartered in Scotland. The company is announcing today that the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety, which includes the state police department and counter terrorism office, has purchased statewide site license to support expansion of SIMS.

Robert Kim Wilson, Memex's chief executive officer, said the state is poised to implement SIMS, which is predominantly used by law enforcement officials, for other potential users, such as transportation, public health, private sector officials and other first responders.

SIMS currently connects about 18 to 20 different databases through a common platform. Among other functions, the system has a tips and leads program where users across the state can enter license plate numbers, names or descriptions of individuals, and other observed events.

Its users include officials from the 21 county prosecutors' offices, 470 municipal police departments, and various state law enforcement and counter-terrorism agencies, Wilson said.

The technology is available through a Web-based application adapted for remote and mobile users and a client-based application, which provides greater functionality, Wilson said. Users can query the system using a Boolean type search or a proximity search and the software displays textual and graphic responses, he said. Additionally, there is a validation or authentication process for each piece of data that is entered into the system.

New Jersey follows Pennsylvania as the second state to deploy Memex technology statewide. Operated by the Pennsylvania State Police, the commonwealth’s Automated Intelligence System also has a tips line supplying 86 intelligence officers with data in the state’s intelligence fusion center.

Wilson said Memex's system provides full cycle intelligence from pulling information together to distilling actionable intelligence.