Technology In Law Enforcement

Words: 1202
Pages: 5

Law enforcement has never been more challenging in any historical moment than the present time. This great noble profession from its humble beginning has literally crawled, walked, and now, requiring running in terms of technological progression. From the days of the London Police, walking the beat to today’s drone aerial patrol, technology is at the forefront of cutting edge modern policing. Today’s modern technology allow law enforcement to track a moving target without leaving the office, listen to incriminating statements without being next to the person, look into someone’s yard without climbing over a fence, and trace a phone call at the push of a button. However, one argument that has consistently surfaced and successfully challenged …show more content…
For example, in the following cases: California v. Ciraolo (1986), United States v. Flores-Lopez (2012), United States v. Camou (2013), and Riley v. California (2014), we saw the role technology played in gathering incriminating evidence against each defendant. In the aforementioned, all but one involved retrieving data from a cell phone, which contained incriminating evidence that further led to the defendants’ conviction. Furthermore, officers no longer hand write reports, they type reports on laptops, investigators can conduct photo lineups in the palm of their hand on a cell phone, and reports are wirelessly submitted to records. Through the use of modern technology, such as computers, agencies will be able to perform more efficiently and effectively. Consequently, the use of electronic surveillance has improved the investigation process for law enforcement at all levels. Without a doubt, today’s police department is light years ahead compared to the 1960s, 70s, and 1980s. However, technology without a clear concept and discipline to stay within the confines of privacy laws can cause more harm than good. Police departments that embrace technology train their personnel to properly use and apply technology responsibly while establishing policies and procedures to ensure compliance. When use correctly, technology becomes an accelerator of momentum, thus, improving overall …show more content…
and does it fit directly with the goals and mission of what agencies are trying to achieve? The answer than, is both methodical and profound. Technology is a piece of equipment; technology itself neither helps nor hinders. Whether technology becomes an accelerator or impede progress will depend on individual police departments and their ability to adapt. Clearly to become a pioneer in the application of technology, law enforcement must embrace new technology, listen to public and judicial concerns, develop policies to ensure compliance, and foster openness and transparency. New technology is the future and with proper training and implementation, it will do more good than harm. Those who do not adapt will become casualties of