NCJ Number
114970
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 57 Issue: 12 Dated: (December 1988) Pages: 10-16
Date Published
1988
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Police agencies are entering an era which high technology is necessary to combat crime effectively.
Abstract
A significant number of police agencies are in a pre-high technology phase. Some have just entered the high technology arena. A few have embraced technology early, and a small number are again experiencing the uncertainty of indecision as they move to yet a higher phase of technology decisionmaking. These include the rapidly evolving technological environment, the personal experience and technological knowledge of the decisionmaker, the uncertainty as to the future, the relative immaturity of the high-tech industry, and the prevalence of multiple correct options. Basically, the decisionmaking process appropriate to the acquisition of technological hardware and systems consists of defining the problem or need, identifying available resources, and deciding how best to apply resources to obtain the desired result. This will require coping with the rate of change, developing personal knowledge and experience, and developing liaisons to determine in which direction the industry is moving. Police administrators must become personally aware of personnel needs that relate to the best application of state-of-the-art technology, develop innovative approaches for acquiring the most advances expertise available, and maintain a perceptual view that continually relates to past, present, and future. 4 footnotes.