Officer perceptions of the impact of mobile broadband technology on police operations

Abstract

Research examining police department use of technology is underdeveloped relative to other areas of policing inquiry. This gap in the literature is troubling as policing models are becoming more data-driven and thus, relying more heavily on information technologies. Arguably, the most commonly utilized technology in policing practice, and examined in policing research, has been mobile computers. However, there has been little insight into the technological advancement in data communications that directly influence the functionality of mobile computers. The present research seeks to inform this shortcoming by examining a police department that implemented a dedicated wireless mobile broadband capability in comparison to commercial cellular data access. A mixed methods approach is employed within a medium-sized department in the northeast region of the United States. Survey data was gathered from 76 uniformed police personnel. Semistructured interviews were conducted with key personnel to further contextualize survey results. Survey results suggest tentative support for improved information flow, quality, and accessibility after the implementation of wireless broadband. Perceptions of mobile broadband impacts on time savings and the execution of job tasks appear positive. Considerations for future research and study limitations are discussed.

The Current and Potential Role of Crime Analysts in Evaluations of Police Interventions: Results From a Survey of the International Association of Crime Analysts

“…The mean Likert values were measured for each of six crime analysis functions: program evaluation, intelligence analysis, criminal investigative analysis, tactical crime analysis, strategic crime analysis, and administrative crime analysis. This follows the statistical approach of recent surveys of police personnel (e.g., Carter & Grommon, 2015).…”

An Assessment of Police Officers’ Perception of Hotspots: What Can Be Done to Improve Officer’s Situational Awareness?

“…in which police activities are performed, the availability of timely and accurate information is of crucial importance. In order to improve the dissemination of relevant information to police officers, the police organization is turning to mobile technologies [36] Bearing in mind the limits of 'traditional' ways of informing police officers (personal observation, two-way radios, exchange of information with co-workers, reading crime bulletins, etc. ), a mobile application that would allow police officers 24/7 access to relevant information is a tool that may improve the situational awareness of police officers, especially during the time police officers are away from their patrol areas.…”

Digital policing technologies and democratic policing

“…Digital technology equips the police ‘with enforcement and investigative tools’, enhancing information sourcing and effectiveness (Roberts, 2011). Smartphones and social media provide new realms of empowerment for the people and allow increased transparency for law enforcement organisations and the services they offer, and smooths communication between the police and the people (Carter and Grommon, 2017; Lieberman et al, 2013). Studies have highlighted the utility of digital technology to the police in information and communication, crime fighting and detection, and in liaising with the public across polities (Anderson, 2013; Fatih and Bekir, 2016; Goldsmith, 2015; Kelly, 2012; Manning, 2008; O’Connor, 2017; Quarshie, 2014; van de Velde et al, 2015).…”