Law Enforcement Agencies Evolve to Combat Crime in Changing Society - Research Paper

Introduction

All over the globe, law enforcement agencies are devising new ways to adapt to changes in society. The evolution of technology has pushed these agencies to innovations of new ideas for increased efficiency in keeping the people safe. Just as the multitude and nature of crimes diversified over the years, so have the measures required in combating of the same (Weisburd & Braga, 2019). Law enforcement agencies are therefore adopting new ideas, technology, and tools to increase the safety in their communities as well as scale up their successes. This paper will seek to identify and discuss the various innovations in law enforcement as well as their successes and shortcomings.

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Data Analytics

Law enforcement agencies have adopted data analytics as a way of identifying threats and profiling of criminals (Shapiro, 2018). These agencies collect a wide variety of data, ranging from vehicle registration numbers, criminal records, online money transfers, security footage among others. Large volumes of data are collected and analyzed electronically to aid in the prevention of crime. Agencies from the federal to the local law enforcement bodies have adopted this method as a way of gathering intelligence on crimes such as terrorist attacks even before they happen. This data has led to the prevention of multiple attacks in many countries as well as the arrest of perpetrators of such acts (Shapiro, 2018).

Data that is readily available and arranged in such a way that security agencies can quickly sift through in key in proactive emergency management. Some law enforcement agencies have developed software that can quickly skim through volumes of data. This software then identifies patterns in a suspicious activity such as money transfers and other types of suspicious activity. An alarm is then raised, and security forces are deployed to keep tabs on such activity. In times like these when cybercrime is becoming a security nightmare, data analytics are vital in keeping track of any suspicious online activity.

Real-time response to accidents and crime has been primarily fuelled by accurate analysis of data and synergy between various law enforcement agencies (Shapiro, 2018). In areas where there are gaps in available data, security agencies are not able to fully combat crime. In such cases, the crime itself outweighs the necessity of these predictive analytic tools in the first place.

Body Worn Cameras

In recent years, many countries including most of the United States have adopted and implemented the use of body-worn cameras among law enforcement personnel (Smykla et al, 2018). These small gadgets worn on the chest or head of police officers are designed to capture video and audio feeds to be reviewed later. These cameras have increased the safety of both civilians and the police in areas that they have been put to use. Use of excessive force by police has reduced due to the continuous filming of police activity. Other unethical activities done by police have also significantly reduced in their line of duty. Cases of physical aggression towards the police by members of the public have also considerably reduced since these cameras were deployed (Smykla et al, 2018).

These wearable cameras have also provided an essential tool in the teaching of law enforcement students. These devices record real-time police work and can be used as learning tools for students in preparation for their days in the field. These cameras continue to provide footage on the activities that officers do while on duty. This included information that can be used as evidence in complaints or accusations launched against these officers. This information has been used to prosecute officers condemned by evidence from these devices. It has also been used to exonerate police officers that have been falsely accused of misconduct.

This tool has not been without its share of controversy. Despite the massive support that wearable cameras have received from the public, they have received their share of opposition. These opponents have argued that these devices are expensive and unreliable. Others have argued that police officers cannot optimally do their job while they feel 'watched.' These devices have also been said to impact negatively on the safety and mental health of the officers. This scenario has been witnessed when police officers confront civilians with mental health conditions. These people sometimes become anxious, aggravated and violent once they realize they are being filmed (Smykla et al, 2018). Concerns have also been raised about the privacy breach of ordinary citizens by constant video surveillance by police cameras.

Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)

UAS, commonly known as drones, has been a fast developing technology among law enforcement agencies (Canis, 2015). This tool, efficient for suspect pursuit, the survey of disaster areas among other security operations. UAS has been commended for its efficiency as well as keeping law enforcement officers out of harm's way in situations such as bomb scares and disasters like fires. These drones are fitted with cutting edge technology that is very useful to law enforcement agencies. These include inbuilt visual and thermal camera systems that enable them to be used both during the day and night in information collection and pursuits. They are also fitted with autonomous flight path programming as well as a GPS to maintain the device's flying position while the operator concentrates on the information being relayed from the drone's view.

Agencies that employed this tool stand to save on costs and time in various operations - an example is a time taken to clear traffic in cases of road accidents (Canis, 2015). Use of UAS to survey such areas can help the police find alternative routes for motorists and hence save on time. This tool has also come in handy in volatile security situations where the safety of police officers was at stake. This includes conditions such as disasters such as fires, hostage situations as well as SWAT operations such as bomb alarms. Security organizations that adopt this technology stand a better chance in curbing of crime in the current technologically dynamic society (Canis, 2015).

Use of Virtual Patrol

Virtual patrol, sometimes known as citizen virtual patrols are a system of a camera feed that is made available to residents of a particular area (Weisburd & Braga, 2019). These citizens are urged to view this footage and report any suspicious activity to the police. Cameras are sometimes installed in areas were physical guards cannot work. These places include areas like criminal hotspots. They are a cost-effective method of maintaining security. Virtual patrol can be used independently or as a backup to physical guards. This patrol has also been employed in areas such as schoolyards, secure storage volts and restricted areas like government facilities (Weisburd & Braga, 2019). Agencies that have used virtual patrol alongside supporting technology like smart sensors have much saved on workforce required to keep their communities safe. Smart sensors are specialized devices that are designed to recognize things like gunshots and sound an alarm to the nearest police department. Smart sensors and virtual patrol are a perfect duo in curbing of organized crime and gang activities in urban areas.

GPS Vehicle Pursuit Darts

The old school police chases along busy highways and crowded cities can pose an immeasurable danger to citizens as well as the police. An invention that is aimed at putting an end to this menace has been employed by various law enforcement agencies. This is the GPS vehicle pursuit darts. These darts are shot at an offending vehicle, and by use of a GPS tracker, the vehicle can be virtually monitored and impounded when it stops (Weisburd & Braga, 2019). This is an invention that has brought more order on the roads as well as the process of criminal apprehension. It has also reduced the number of criminals who speed away from the police as they would automatically get caught anyway. Agencies that adopt this technology will be looking into maintenance of public safety by eliminating the high-speed police vehicle pursuit incidents. They will also save on costs of fuel and damages incurred in the form of repairing damaged infrastructure and police vehicles.

Conclusion

The changes in society today and the advancement of technology and criminal tactics have called for innovations in law enforcement. Advancements in technology have seen into the adoption of various purpose driven tools in the field of law enforcement. Law enforcement agencies have adopted numerous technological innovations to increase the efficiency of their mission in keeping the people safe. These include data analytics and intelligence, body-worn cameras, UAS, use of virtual patrol, GPS vehicle pursuit darts among others (Weisburd & Braga, 2019). All these tools continue to benefit these agencies in various ways. These include saving on costs, proactive emergency response, saving on time as well and human resource. As seen in recent years, technological advancements will continue to bring evolutions in society. These changes in society will continually demand changes in the law enforcement agencies to efficiently keep the community safe.

References

Canis, B. (2015). Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS): Commercial Outlook for a New Industry, 12(2), 21-56

Shapiro, A. (2018). Review of Ferguson's The Rise of Big Data Policing: Surveillance, Race, and the Future of Law Enforcement. Surveillance & Society, 16(1), 123-126.

Smykla, Crow, Crichlow et al. (2016). Police Body-Worn Cameras: Perceptions of Law Enforcement Leadership. American Journal of Criminal Justice, 41(3), 424-443.

Weisburd & Braga(Eds.). (2019). Police Innovation: Contrasting Perspectives. Cambridge University Press.