Police Technology

Technology continues to advance law enforcement and transform policing in fundamental respects (Roberts, 2011). Some of the new emerging technologies have played an increasingly crucial role in the daily work of those police officers who use equipment, to assist in their enforcement and investigative efforts (Roberts, 2011). There are multiple advantages to the use of computer technology in relation to law enforcement efforts. Computer technology has expanded substantially over the course of the past two decades, any increased efficiency and the effectiveness of police officers (Roberts, 2011). Some of those computer technologies include the use of field computers, terminals, software, and programs that can predict criminal activity (Roberts,

They have provided many improvements for law enforcement but they are only as good as the people who have created them (Roberts, 2011). Clerical errors are common and have actually resulted in the arrest of innocent people for driving infractions or warrants (Roberts, 2011). Computers do not have the ability to differentiate or use discretion like law enforcement professionals do. They do not have the ability to think, and can only be used to aid law enforcement personnel, eliminating the opportunity to replace them from doing real police work. Also, there are security and privacy issues related to computer technology. Privacy is protected by the United States Constitution, but we also need to realize to protect the United States citizens, some privacies may be given up (The Privacy Act of 1974, 2015). Almost everywhere you go today, your face is captured by closed-circuit television, or someone taking photographs or video with their cellular

They have successfully provided law enforcement organizations with incredible amounts of information, but that information is only as accurate as the person who is entering it. Ultimately, there are far more advantages to the use of computers for law enforcement than disadvantages. Critics will always stress that privacy is being hindered, but in order to keep this country safe there will be some privacy issues. It is my belief that this country is safer because of increased computer software and technologies used by law