No discussion of critical issues in policing would be complete without at least a brief look at the impact of advancing technology on the field. Among the advances with which we are all familiar are such things as the increasing uses of computers, of 911 and reverse 911 phone services, of cell phones, of less-than-lethal weapons, and of video cameras in patrol vehicles. In addition, police continue to use Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to pinpoint the location of suspects and evidence and/or to assist in analyzing data to determine where crimes are occurring. All of these devices and technologies help the police become more effective and efficient in performing their duties.
While reviewing all recent technological innovations of the past decade is impossible in the limited framework of one lesson, we touched on several more interesting advances and some of their consequences. Remember, these advances in technology will affect the whole of society and will require a commitment on the part of professional police personnel to develop responsible information management policies for the future. The opportunities presented by instantaneous communication among police agencies at all levels and in diverse geographic areas are indeed exciting. Yet the challenges of developing a system in which information flows freely among agencies while reconciling the right to privacy with police needs to know will not be easily met. There is at least a chance that, as the gap between technology available to industry and that available to the police narrows, the possibility of an electronic 'Big Brother' society and the subsequent erosion of personal privacy rights will increase. For police chiefs, budgeting for these technological advances would be a significant concern. Some personnel may resist adopting new devices or software and feel stressed about learning how to use the tech quickly.
When considering where law enforcement is headed in the next five years and beyond, embracing technology is another key challenge. Innovations can happen quickly; name three of these new technologies you feel have the potential to help reduce crime and keep the community safe. Then, discuss the following:
Do you feel Biometrics, such as hand-held scanners and facial recognition tools, should be used by the police? What may be two advantages and two disadvantages of using the technology?
Provide your thoughts on Gunshot Detectors, sensors, and mapping technologies that can detect gunshots within specific high-crime areas and dispatch the police without a call for service being received.
Provide your thoughts on using Police Drones, drones that can take photos of crime scenes and survey search areas. (However, they also see into areas people may expect privacy in.) Do the costs and benefits warrant the use of this technology?
Provide your thoughts on the use of technology to reduce Vehicle Pursuit Darts, such as foam darts that can be released by police vehicles and attach to a vehicle, allowing officers to track their movements with GPS. Are there any legal concerns with this type of technology?
The Future of Law Enforcement: Embracing New Technologies
The rapid advancement of technology has drastically transformed the landscape of law enforcement. As police departments look to enhance their effectiveness and efficiency, several emerging technologies hold significant potential for crime reduction and community safety. Below, I discuss three promising technologies: biometrics, gunshot detection systems, and police drones, along with their implications and potential concerns.
1. Biometrics: Hand-Held Scanners and Facial Recognition Tools
Advantages:
- Enhanced Identification: Biometrics, such as facial recognition and hand-held scanners, can significantly speed up the identification process of suspects. This is particularly beneficial in high-pressure situations where time is of the essence.
- Crime Prevention: With the ability to quickly identify known offenders in real-time, police can deter crime more effectively by increasing their presence in areas where repeat offenders are likely to reoffend.
Disadvantages:
- Privacy Concerns: The use of facial recognition raises significant privacy issues. Citizens may feel uncomfortable knowing they are being constantly monitored, leading to an erosion of trust between the community and law enforcement.
- Inaccuracies and Bias: Facial recognition technology has faced criticism for inaccuracies, particularly in identifying individuals from marginalized communities. Misidentification can lead to wrongful detentions and a loss of credibility for law enforcement agencies.
2. Gunshot Detectors and Mapping Technologies
Gunshot detection technologies utilize sensors to detect the sound of gunfire, immediately alerting law enforcement to the location of the incident without requiring a 911 call.
Benefits:
- Rapid Response: This technology enables quicker police response times to shooting incidents, potentially saving lives and preventing further violence.
- Data-Driven Policing: Mapping technologies that analyze gunshot data can help police better understand crime patterns and allocate resources more effectively in high-crime areas.
Considerations:
While the benefits are substantial, there are challenges regarding the reliability of detection systems and the potential for false alarms. Police must also work to ensure that communities are aware of these systems to foster trust and transparency.
3. Police Drones
Police drones can be used for various purposes, including surveying crime scenes, conducting search operations, and monitoring large crowds during events.
Benefits:
- Cost-Effective Surveillance: Drones provide a cost-effective means for aerial surveillance and can cover vast areas quickly, which is particularly useful in search and rescue missions or tracking suspects.
- Improved Evidence Collection: Aerial photography can aid in documenting crime scenes and gathering evidence without disturbing the area.
Concerns:
However, the use of drones raises significant privacy concerns. Drones equipped with cameras can inadvertently invade personal privacy, leading to potential backlash from community members who expect a certain level of privacy in their daily lives. Establishing clear policies on drone usage that respect citizens' rights is essential.
4. Vehicle Pursuit Darts
Vehicle pursuit darts are foam projectiles released from police vehicles that attach to fleeing vehicles, allowing officers to track their movements using GPS technology.
Legal Concerns:
While this technology offers a non-lethal method to track suspects without engaging in high-speed chases—which can be dangerous for both officers and civilians—it raises several legal concerns:
- Fourth Amendment Issues: The deployment of tracking devices may implicate Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable searches and seizures. Courts would need to determine whether attaching a GPS device to a vehicle without a warrant constitutes an invasion of privacy.
- Liability Concerns: If a dart fails to attach properly or if its use leads to unintended consequences, such as accidents or injuries, police departments could face significant liability issues.
Conclusion
As law enforcement agencies navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by these new technologies, it is crucial to balance innovation with respect for civil liberties and community trust. Each technology discussed holds promise for enhancing public safety; however, careful consideration must be given to their implementation and the potential implications for privacy rights. By establishing responsible policies governing these technologies, police departments can harness their benefits while minimizing risks to community trust and individual rights.