NCJ Number
119453
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 37 Issue: 7 Dated: (July 1989) Pages: 41-45
Date Published
1989
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Technology such as computers, laser guns, fax machines, video cameras, and robots has simplified police work and streamlined police department operations.
Abstract
Even small police departments can employ technological innovations; for example, a Connecticut police department with only 12 officers and 2 detectives has computerized its dispatch center. Computers have facilitated the work of many police departments. These departments can buy hardware and software that allow them to perform electronic searches for burglaries, look for criminal patterns, track police response times, and display 911 calls. Many police departments do not need their own dedicated computers; they can use municipal mainframes as an alternative or use less expensive personal computers. A recent advance in computer technology allows police officers in patrol cars to identify suspects from fingerprints and photographs. Computers are also being used to enhance parking violation followup and to track down stolen vehicles. Robots, video cameras, and laser detection of speeders represent additional technology innovations in police work. Issues of liability, cost, and time that must be considered in the adoption of innovative technology by police departments are addressed.