CrimeStar review
A modular CAD and RMS suite with mobile communications and CJIS/NCIC connectivity.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
CrimeStar is a suite of law enforcement applications for agencies that need records management, computer-aided dispatch and communications with field officers. Its RMS covers incidents, calls for service, arrests, booking, warrants, property and evidence, while CAD tracks events and unit activity. A web interface lets authorized users query RMS and CAD data from browser-enabled devices, and the Mobile Digital Communicator supports dispatch and field communications. The vendor describes Professional and Enterprise RMS editions for small, medium-sized and larger agencies.
Pricing is based on one-time licenses rather than monthly per-user subscriptions. An RMS license with first-year support costs $3,300, with Professional and Enterprise editions at the same listed price. An additional laptop or synchronization computer license is $1,950, while a CAD dispatch seat is $4,650. The Crimestar Web Interface is $1,400 per license and allows 100 users per license. The Mobile Digital Communicator system is $5,200, including one mobile controller base license and one mobile workstation license; additional mobile workstation licenses cost $2,200. Annual support and maintenance is $400 per license per year, covering updates, enhancements, fixes and unlimited telephone and email support. The In-Custody Data Extract utility costs $1,500 with no annual support fee, and the evaluation offer lasts 90 days.
CrimeStar fits agencies seeking a broad records-and-dispatch footprint with established justice-system connectivity. Its Message Switch/Gateway supports state and federal query transactions, including CJIS and NCIC, and integrations include Court Solutions Fine Payment System and Microsoft SQL Server. RMS can use Professional DBF-file or Enterprise Microsoft SQL Server editions. Dispatch supports mouse, keyboard, drag-and-drop, dual monitors and multiple dispatchers. Deployment is self-hosted and desktop-oriented on Windows, with web access through the separate interface. Agencies wanting an agency-managed, modular system should consider CrimeStar; teams seeking a subscription-first or fully cloud-hosted deployment should evaluate alternatives.
CrimeStar pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Covers RMS, CAD, evidence, mobile dispatch and field communications
- Connects with CJIS, NCIC, Microsoft SQL Server and court payments
- Offers a 90-day evaluation trial and included first-year support
- Where it doesn't
- One-time license purchases require substantial upfront budgeting
- Self-hosted Windows and desktop deployment requires agency-managed infrastructure
- CAD and several add-ons require separate licenses and an RMS license
CrimeStar fact sheet, pricing and score →
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