Abstract:
The Driver and Vehicle Information Database, known as DAVID, is a database operated by the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and is used by many law enforcement agencies as an important investigative tool due to the information contained within. One important function of the agencies that allow their employees access to DAVID is to ensure the information is secured and not misused in violation of federal and state law, under a provision known as the Driver Privacy and Protection Act codified in 18 U.S.C. § 2721 (1994). Literature on general deterrence suggests that methods can be taken from an oversight standpoint that would allow for better control and deter users from misusing the data contained within DAVID. This study hypothesized that, if provided, standard operating procedures, ethics training, acceptable use policies, and consistent disciplinary procedures would act to improve oversight and be effective general deterrents against such misuse. The study tested the hypotheses using (n = 86) DAVID points of contact from various police agencies in Florida by way of an online survey. The results indicated a statistically significant relationship between standard operating procedures and acceptable use policies on oversight and deterrence. The null hypothesis could not be rejected regarding ethics training and disciplinary procedures on oversight and deterrence. The results supported two of the four hypotheses, and they may serve as a pathway to develop better administrative policies and procedures to improve the oversight process and help deter users from misusing DAVID in violation of law.
Keywords: D.A.V.I.D., DPPA, FLHSMV, driver license, point of contact