Technology and Policing

2076 Words5 Pages

Introduction

The use of technology in the policing domain has been rapidly adopted over the past few years. However, it should be noted that the process of adopting and effectively using technology in law enforcement, begun more than 50 years ago. For instance, it become apparent in the 1950’s that computer would enable easier storage and retrieval of large amounts of data. More recently, advancement in technology has incorporated more sophisticated ways of transmitting and analyzing information, therefore aiding the law enforcement process (Button, Sharples & Harper, 2007). The police have found various aspect of technology useful; predominantly, computer crime mapping has been widely adopted and consequently received a lot of attention (Goldstein & McEwen, 2009).

Computer Crime Mapping

Arguably computer crime mapping has helped mitigate the negative perception held about the effectiveness of police in fighting crime. According to Goldstein & McEwen (2009), perceived confidence in police abilities largely decline in the 1970s and 1980s. Studies conducted at the time, established that the existing policing strategies needed an overhaul. For instance preventive patrol and rapid response to police call (which were the predominant strategies) did very little in crime prevention. Also in line with the findings, available statistical figure clearly pointed out, crime rates-even in areas patrol by highly qualified police forces-were rising at an alarming rate. Police scholars were affected by the negative perception as much as the police; therefore they intensified their search for a solution, by carrying out various studies (Goldstein & McEwen, 2009).

Accordingly the popularity of computer crime mapping increased. Although the conc...

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...of attention. One of its major benefit is its ability to quickly gather crime information about a particular area, this indeed can guide through the process of formulating solution. Currently more officers are discovering its importance and consequently incorporating it in their operations.

Works Cited

Button, K., Sharples, K., & Harper L (2007). Technology Advancement: The Promising

Approach to Law Enforcement. International Criminology Journal, 12(2), 600-23.

Golden, J. (2006). Rural versus Urban Law Enforcement Agencies: Why is the Adoption

in Law Enforcement Technology different? The criminal justice issue, 1(8), 200-25.

Goldstein, M., & McEwen, K. (2009). The use of Technology in Police and other Law

Enforcement Domains: A study Investigating the Development and Effectiveness of Computer Crime Mapping. Journal of Crime Management, 12, 300-329.

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