A majority of departments have either procured or upgraded their RMS. The Rhode Island Justice Commission laid the foundation for municipal police department J-Link participation by encouraging the use of Byrne funds from 1992-1994 to acquire/enhance J-Link compatible RMSs. Most police departments have also used the new Local Law Enforcement Block Grant (LLEBG) funds during the past several years to modernize their computer networks.

Currently, a dozen departments have outfitted their patrol cars with mobile data terminals (MDTs) hooked directly to RILETS via microwave or wireless connections. Many other departments have immediate plans to do the same. MDTs allow police officers to file reports while on patrol and remain in the field for longer periods of time. Moreover, MDT technology renders accessing driver/vehicle/criminal history information so quick and easy, that officers can run significantly more RILETS queries.

As indicated previously, the RI Police Chiefs Association, in consideration of a recommendation of the Byrne Law Enforcement Planning Committee (LEPC), voted unanimously to forego nearly $1.5 million in Byrne local "pass-through" funds over three years in order for the state to create the statewide J-Link infrastructure.

The LEPC has determined that Justice Link is still a top priority and has recommended that local law enforcement agencies continue to use Byrne and LLEBG funds to enhance existing computer systems to include the acquisition of work stations, printers, file servers, other peripherals, records management software modules, and MDTs for vehicles. The ultimate J-Link scenario will have all municipal police departments utilizing MDTs with direct access to RILETS via a microwave connection currently under development by the State Police.