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755 any changes made to the data base. This theory of one -time data entry greatly reduces the risk of overlapping or incorrect data. Additionally, this concept eliminates any necessity for transfer of data between the various modules within the system, since a single data base concept is utilized throughout the software. Geo -rile Based Processing - Many management decisions in public safety are based on location of activity. In order to provide this capability in a comprehensive manner, the entire CMS software utilizes a Geo -File. This mechanism describes the local area to the computer. It provides for the verification of locations and for the determination of relationships between locations. Part of this is achieved through the determination of various sub -areas within the jurisdiction in which the location is found. This feature allows a department to take advantage of many timesaving and vital functions including the setting up of patrol areas, grids, and defining within the system such features as beat plan, fire districts, fire hydrant locations, and indexing such information as run cards. The CMS system allows for-the entry of four types of locations: • Addresses • Intersections • Mid - Blocks (street between two land marks) • Common Location In the system, entry of one of the above location types provides cross street information, address ' verification, and specified places such as parks, schools, businesses, etc. Not only can units be dispatched faster and more accurately with such a system, but the caller can be prompted for specific location information, which will result in quicker over -all response times as well as more precise information for analysis. By using a pre - formatted and precise methodology for location entry, it is possible for the system to reduce the number of actions by the dispatcher since the number of selection screens are minimized. This means that the dispatcher is assisted to the maximum extent with the minimum of data entry. If a valid Geo -File entry is not found for the location of a call for service, the operators have an event location override function key available to allow for processing the call for service without a "valid" location. This allows for the timely response by the department to emergencies when location information is partial or imprecise. The location may then be corrected as required at a later time. Another feature of the Geo -File processing capability is the use of aliases for locations and streets. Through the structure of this file, any number of aliases or abbreviations are allowed for a location, or street, while relating all of these to the same physical location for use in management reporting, investigations, and crime analysis. 3