Model 28 ASR Teletype

Description:

In 1967, the F.B.I. instituted a computer center known as the N.C.I.C. (National Crime Information Center) to track criminal activity across the United States. It included not only a duplex IBM 320/40 computer system for data processing, but teletype machines like this one for entering and receiving data from throughout the country. An IBM 1052 printer and keyboard also served as a terminal (for an example, see 1988.0407.01). The teletype was transferred to the Smithsonian from the F.B.I. in 1989.

The system stored information concerning stolen automobiles, license plates, guns, and other identifiable articles, aas well as wanted persons. It represents the first attempt by a national law enforcement agency to make its extensive records on crimes and criminal avalable quickly at any time of day or night to local police departments throughout the country, It symbolizes changes in the relationship between electronic information technology and privacy, government power, and the limits of law enforcement.

References:

Accession file 1989.0433.

National Crime Information Center, Operating Manual, Part I, System Description and Procedures, 1967.

Date Made: ca 1967

Maker: Teletype Corporation

Location: Currently not on view

See more items in: Medicine and Science: Computers

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Credit Line: U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation, National Crime Information Center

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: 1989.0433.01Catalog Number: 1989.0433.01Accession Number: 1989.0433

Object Name: Mainframe Peripheralmainframe computer peripheral

Measurements: overall: 38 in x 35 in x 32 in; 96.52 cm x 88.9 cm x 81.28 cm

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a1-3899-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_334634

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.