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Technology
DEA’s secure, centralized computer network, Firebird, which
standardizes investigative reporting, case file inventories,
administrative functions, and electronic communications, was
successfully deployed to approximately 97% of DEA’s offices
(domestic and foreign) by 2003. This was accomplished
in part by the Small Firebird Initiative that provided full Firebird
functionality to those DEA offices where the installation of
the Firebird desktop was either cost prohibitive or a security
issue. Only those offices with security or facilities related
issues did not have Firebird connectivity. In addition, Firebird
technical refreshment of all division network and shared servers
was completed and the replacement of workstations was
initiated.
DEA was the first component in the Department of Justice to
electronically transmit information through the Department’s
Joint Automated Booking System (JABS) to the FBI’s
Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System
(IAFIS) through the Firebird Booking Station (FBS). FBS
provides rapid identification of individuals under arrest or
detention through automation of the booking process and
electronic access to IAFIS, with an average response time of
30 minutes; it minimizes duplication of data entry during
booking; and it promotes data sharing of arrest records among
Department law enforcement agencies and other authorized
parties through an interface with the Nationwide JABS.
Investigative Management Process and Case Tracking
(IMPACT), an automated case management system, was
developed to support DEA Special Agents, Intelligence
Analysts, and Diversion Investigators in their daily case
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management activities. IMPACT was designed to improve
mission performance and achieve greater operational
efficiency in the establishment, recording, accessibility, and
analysis of information pertaining to DEA investigations. In
2003, IMPACT was deployed as a pilot to the Phoenix and
Miami Divisions with over 800 field users.
DEA transitioned to a full, on-line Electronic File Room. All
Investigative Reports from 2002 forward and millions of earlier
records are available for full text search from the desktop
of any DEA office with access to Firebird or SFI.
Communication capabilities were improved through the use
of Internet technologies and new trusted dial-up
communication capabilities. A Web Architecture was
developed and used to publish the Administrator’s
Newsletter, providing improved access to information
available on the DEA Website. In addition, by 2003, DEA
was using the DOJ/FBI sponsored Law Enforcement Online
(LEO) secure dial-up network to provide trusted access to
and among federal and state law enforcement organizations.
DEA implemented a Centralized Call Data Delivery system
for intercepted cellular pen register data for the field. This
system enables each division to obtain cellular call data
without the need to establish a dedicated connection to
individual cellular companies, thus generating substantial cost
savings to DEA.
Laboratories