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Frequently
Asked Questions |
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Where did
ALEA get the information in this database?
How often does ALEA update this database?
Who can access this database?
How do I update information in the database that is incorrect?
What if
I need specific information, but I cannot find the correct search
template?
How do I join ALEA?
What if my username and/or password will not let me query the database?
Can I purchase the database to use on my own computer?
What if I do not
allow "cookies" on my computer?
How do I format
effective search strings?
Should this
information be available online?
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Where did
ALEA get the information in this database?
All of the
information contained in the database was voluntarily provided to ALEA by
its members via a comprehensive
online questionnaire. The
information was preliminarily screened for completeness and apparent
accuracy; however, we had to generally accept that the information
provided was true and accurate.
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How often does ALEA update this database?
The database
is updated whenever an agency submits new data via the
online survey or submits a
correction to an existing record. The
information is preliminarily screened for completeness and apparent
accuracy, then posted to the database. This process can take 24-48
hours.
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Who can access this database?
Only current
ALEA members, who have registered for access to the member's section of
our website, can access the database.
If you are
already registered for the website access, and you have forgotten your
username and password,
click
here.
If you are a
current member who wants to register for the website access,
click here.
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How do I update information in the database that is incorrect?
At this stage,
we are updating the database manually to insure against technical snags.
To update your agency's information,
click
here. We usually update the database in the middle of the night
(PST).
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What if
I need specific information, but I cannot find the correct search
template?
We
have gone to considerable length to pre-format custom database queries
based on frequently asked questions of the ALEA home office and those
routed through the website. However, we will gladly evaluate special
requests for custom queries to meet an individual agency’s needs. Send an
email to
webmaster@alea.org with specific details
outlining the information you are seeking. We will contact you directly.
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How do I join ALEA?
Click here to use our
online guided application process to determine whether or not you qualify
for membership in ALEA.
Once you have
paid for your ALEA membership, you may
register for website access
free of charge.
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What if my username and/or password will not let me query the database?
If you are
already registered for website access, and you have forgotten your
username and password,
click
here.
If you are a
current member who wants to register for the website access,
click here.
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Can I purchase the database to use on my own computer?
No. When
ALEA requested our member agencies complete the online survey, we pledged
that the information gathered would be used for the exclusive use of our
members only. If the database were released via a non-web format, ALEA
could no longer safe guard who had access to the information.
Additionally, ALEA has pledged to maintain the database with the latest
information available. Publishing the database via the web site allows us
to update the information on a continuous basis.
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What if I do not
allow "Cookies" on my computer?
This site uses
simple Cookies as a kind of temporary ticket to access the content of our
databases. The Cookies are utterly harmless and will be ERASED
automatically as soon as you close your browser. Please turn on your
browser's Cookie support at least for the duration of this visit.
If you insist
on not allowing your browser to handle Cookies, you will not be able to
access ALEA's databases.
For additional
information on Cookies,
click here.
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How do I format
effective search strings?
The key
to initial database query requests is to keep them simple.
For
example:
- “OH58”
will return “OH58”, “OH58A”, “OH58A+”, “OH58C”
- “OH58A”
will return “OH58A”, “OH58A+”
So,
entering “206” would return all Jet Rangers and Long Rangers. If your
search resulted in too many “hits”, you should narrow your search to
“206B”. That would eliminate all Long Ranger (206L) models and guarantee
only Jet Ranger hits.
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Should this
information be available online?
ALEA has
gone to great lengths to insure that this database does not include
tactical information. The majority of the database contains information
regarding equipment and personnel. None of this information would be considered
“privileged” information by most agencies. In fact, the majority of this
information would be available to the public in most agencies.
The
purpose of this database is to consolidate this information in one central
database, so ALEA members conducting research can easily access it.
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