State Reports

Computers in Local Government,

Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs, 620 E. Adams, 5th Floor, Springfield 62701; telephone 217-785-3263 (April 1995).

Every bookstore has a dizzying array of books and magazines about computers, and journals carry articles about the newest hardware and software. But the needs of local government officials in relatively small communities are sufficiently unique that they deserve special attention.

This booklet offers an introduction. It addresses such questions as the need for a computer; selection, purchase and installation; integration of computers into government operations; the choice of software; and the incorporation of accessories. Software applications relevant to local government users are listed, as are references for further reading and a sample "Request for Proposal."

Community Policing in Chicago, Year Two: An Interim Report, Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, 120 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 1016, Chicago 60606-3997; telephone 312-793-8550 (June 1995).

This report examines Chicago's Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS), focusing on the city's five prototype police districts. Reported crime figures and reports of victimization and neighborhood problems decreased in the five areas. And, according to this report, while the impact was not the same in all areas, neighborhood decay was reduced and optimism about the police increased in each.

A Guidebook on Volunteer Opportunities in Illinois, Illinois Department on Aging, 421 E. Capitol Avenue, Room 100, Springfield 62701-1789; telephone 1-800-252-8966 (December 1994).

As more women join the workforce and the traditional pool of volunteers becomes smaller, agencies throughout the country have turned increasingly to senior citizens for help.

The first section of this report lists opportunities for senior volunteerism. The second section provides the addresses and telephone numbers of the state's 13 area agencies on aging, as well as addresses, phone numbers and descriptions of agencies looking for volunteers.

Anna J. Merritt

October 1995/Illinois Issues/39