The Future of Policing

Title: The Future of Policing Submitted by: Travis Hance Course: CJS210 Instructor: Jason Garner

The Future of Policing

What trends are currently affecting policing? There is a number of trends currently affecting policing, beginning with trends in how information is handled and disseminated, advances in equipment, and even weaponry. While these advancements also require upgrades in training methods, in this technological era, law enforcement has had to evolve to be better equipped to fulfill its mandate of contributing to public safety (Terry and Grant, 2008). Database and information technologies have increased the efficiency of departments across the nation. The primary areas have been identified by experts as (1) database and information technology, (2) computer-aided dispatch, (3) records management systems, and (4) mobile computing. (J. Chu, 2001) These areas are all vital for law enforcement today to develop and maintain using current methods. Where records in the past were entirely based on a paper filing system, today departments now store information electronically, enabling the sharing of information, faster access, and better handling of calls for service. In addition there are a number of national technological innovations that have been made which make the job of law enforcement easier. Systems Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS), and Homeland Security Information Network (HSIN) are two examples of recent developments that provide information services across a national network which local departments may access.

The Future of Policing

Advances in weaponry and equipment provide officers with additional force options. One rapidly emerging technology is the Thomas A. Swift electrical rifle (Taser). A Taser is a battery-powered electro muscular device (EMD) that fires two metal prongs, which are attached to a wire that delivers approximately 26 watts of electricity at more than 50,000 volts (Terry and Grant, 2008). The advent of the Taser has given officers a nonlethal force option, which induces less physical damage, and has reduced aftereffects. Utilizing skills learned through training and crisis management techniques, an officer is better equipped than ever to handle situations that do not require lethal force. Equipment has seen both development and improvement. Patrol cars have undergone development, incorporating greater safety features, mobile data terminals, more efficient and secure radio communications, even audio and video recording. Body armor has become less expensive, lighter and cooler, and provides increased officer survivability. Even uniforms have evolved, using lighter and more breathable materials, and more comfortable footwear, while maintaining a professional look. Advances in information gathering affect all levels of a law enforcement organization, tactical crime analysis, typically involves the identification of specific crime problems in particular geographic areas. The goal of this type of analysis is to provide patrol officers and detectives with timely information that allows them to respond to crimes that are currently taking place. (Terry and Grant, 2008). This type of information gathering is vital in that it provides officers with information that can increase the safety and effectiveness of both the officer

The Future of Policing

and the public. Strategic crime analysis focuses on long-term crime trends. This information is used to develop strategic plans to address particular problems. Strategic crime analysis is different from tactical crime analysis in that the focus is on long-term planning and larger, more complex projects. (Terry and Grant, 2008). Administrative crime analysis focuses on providing summary statistics and data to police managers. This information is often used by managers to better understand crime and disorder problems. For example, a chief of police might use the Uniform Crime Report data collected by the agency to compare the amount of crime in his community with that of similar jurisdictions. (Terry and Grant, 2008).

What are some foreseeable critical issues that may affect policing in the future? As new technologies become available for law enforcement to use, problems related to the protection of both citizens rights, as well as a proper chain of evidence arise. Officers must receive training in the proper use of such new technologies. The technology must also be constructed in such a form that ensures the chain of evidence. A specific example that I can think of is the mobile video systems used in patrol cars, where the data recorder is secured and can only be accessed by a shift supervisor. This limits the possibilities for tampering and protects the chain of evidence. The increasing reliance on and

The Future of Policing

availability of technology to law enforcement can be intimidating. This technology brings with it new legal challenges, particularly in relation to the balance between crime control and the private interests of citizens (Terry and Grant, 2008). Personnel issues are also a problem for many departments, especially smaller departments with limited funding and fewer officers. Locally around Texas we see many departments reverting to a reserve officer status in order to reduce costs. While these are most often unpaid positions, they allow small departments to bolster the ranks of paid officers, while providing continuing training and professional development for officers with other professional commitments, or who wish to maintain professional training. Interagency cooperation is a final critical issue that affects departments nationwide. With the increase in security and awareness created by the War on Terror, departments face increased responsibility and workload in order to both provide service share information with both state and federal agencies. Even though a number of agencies have been created and bring advanced services and data management, there still remains an increased burden that an increase in terrorism brings to local departments.

What changes may need to be made to effectively address these critical issues? There are a number of changes that departments can make over the course of time that can increase the effectiveness and safety of law enforcement officers. Continual training and professional development remain the most

The Future of Policing

effective tools to address critical issues, in my opinion. With most states requiring annual advanced courses such as Crisis Intervention Training and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing, it is easy to see how officers need to continue maintaining current proficiency in the latest techniques. There also continue to be advances in the information is gathered, processed, and disseminated. Since the late 1960s there has been a research revolution in policing that has enormously expanded our knowledge base. (Terry and Grant, 2008). This research revolution is the result of countless hours of study and research by dedicated officers, educators and professors who share a common goal, the professional development of police officers. One of the best examples of the impact of research on policy is the development of community policing. Often characterized as a new paradigm for policing, community policing emerged after research discredited the assumptions of the traditional professional model of policing. (Terry and Grant, 2008). Community policing is, in my opinion, an excellent example of how the application of scientific research can modify behaviors and change public perceptions. Involved in the development of Community policing, a combination of researchers and policymakers developed the idea of community policing based on research that suggested that (1) traditional police operations have not proven effective and (2) the police cannot effectively respond to crime and disorder by themselves but need good relations and close cooperation with citizens. (Terry & Grant, 2008) These hard working men and women successfully showed how research and professionalism has actually changed policing in a positive way.

The Future of Policing

Regardless of the number of issues facing law enforcement, whether related to public perception, information management, or field operations, the continued application of professional standards, individual dedication, education, and perseverance will overcome the problems, and provide the public with the quality service they so richly deserve.

The Future of Policing

References

A. Terry, K. J., & Grant, H. B. (2008). Law Enforcement in the 21st Century, Second Edition, Published by Allyn & Bacon. Pearson Education, Inc., page 321.

B. Jim Chu, Law Enforcement Information Technology (New York: CRC Press, 2001), p. 11.

C. Terry, K. J., & Grant, H. B. (2008). Law Enforcement in the 21st Century, Second Edition, Published by Allyn & Bacon. Pearson Education, Inc., page 321.

D. Terry, K. J., & Grant, H. B. (2008). Law Enforcement in the 21st Century, Second Edition, Published by Allyn & Bacon. Pearson Education, Inc., page 508

E. Terry, K. J., & Grant, H. B. (2008). Law Enforcement in the 21st Century, Second Edition, Published by Allyn & Bacon. Pearson Education, Inc., page 509

F. Terry, K. J., & Grant, H. B. (2008). Law Enforcement in the 21st Century, Second Edition, Published by Allyn & Bacon. Pearson Education, Inc., page 509

The Future of Policing

G. Terry, K. J., & Grant, H. B. (2008). Law Enforcement in the 21st Century, Second Edition, Published by Allyn & Bacon. Pearson Education, Inc., page 510

H. Terry, K. J., & Grant, H. B. (2008). Law Enforcement in the 21st Century, Second Edition, Published by Allyn & Bacon. Pearson Education, Inc., page 321.

I. Terry, K. J., & Grant, H. B. (2008). Law Enforcement in the 21st Century, Second Edition, Published by Allyn & Bacon. Pearson Education, Inc., page 515

J. Terry, K. J., & Grant, H. B. (2008). Law Enforcement in the 21st Century, Second Edition, Published by Allyn & Bacon. Pearson Education, Inc., page 515

K. Terry, K. J., & Grant, H. B. (2008). Law Enforcement in the 21st Century, Second Edition, Published by Allyn & Bacon. Pearson Education, Inc., page 515