Future of Policing free essay sample

Tools such as closed-cult elevations, global positioning systems (GAPS), fingerprint identification systems and facial recognition software also help a great deal with apprehending offenders. These technological advances are not without their share of problems, most of which stem with infringing on the personal rights of civilians and having agents and officers educated In the use of these new technologies. The future of policing Is a double edged sword, with the Increase of technology and Its uses comes the need to safeguard American rights. It Is very easy to take an advantage and run with It, this may be the biggest challenge for policing in the future. Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) is a method of managing calls from the public. This also increased communication with dispatch and patrol officers. This created more efficiency and safety for officers. Mobile computing has also experienced a growth In the past couple of decades. Through the use of laptops and the internet officers are able to receive a large amount of Information In a matter of moments. This helps keep the officer Informed on the vehicles past as well as any dangers that may be present with suspects. Through the use of license plate readers officers are able to tell if cars are stolen or possibly parked illegally. This enables the officer to screen for stolen cars much more efficiently. The advent of records management systems (ARMS) has solved many of the problems associated with the paper tiger. Records management systems are used to Input and organize Information from different types of reports In one easy-to- access format (Police in America).This has helped with the police officers workload (not needing to file written reports). Database and information advancements have made the use of card file indexes all but extinct. Information that was once used on these card files, such as the persons name, date of birth, criminal record and case embers are now entered into a computerized system that is accessible to the officers at the touch of a button. This also works as a check for police officers. Through the use of early Intervention (Ell systems are a collection of personnel records for the use of increasing accountability of police officers. An El system is a computerized database with performance data on each officer. Systems vary, but most include data on officer use of force, citizen complaints, commendations, and officer involvement in civil suits against the department (Police in America). Technology doesnt stop with the police. Many stores have utilized the use of schools, airports, bars, Tams, banks and office buildings. The list goes on. This gives police that are educated in the matter a huge advantage in the identification of suspects.These Acts help not only identify persons of interest they also are able to put a timeline to the crime. A problem that has risen is the unwillingness of upgrading individual systems by private owners. As with most things Acts have their limitations but to a trained individual the possibilities are endless. Global positioning systems (GAPS) use satellite-based technologies for the purpose f tracking the movement of patrol cars or specially equipped stolen vehicles (Grant, Terry/2008). GAPS use is increasing in every aspect of our lives.Some family animals are equipped with GAPS units in order to help the owner locate in case loss or run- away. Cell-phones are also equipped with a GAPS that will help search and rescue find the person, or to watch the movements of suspects. Civilians can even use it to track a hike or a route through the mountains. The possibilities are endless. The use of Biometrics is very interesting. Biometrics involves the automatic, real- mime identification of individuals based on their physiology or behavior.Biometrics thus encompasses a diversity of technologies, including voice recognition, fingerprint identification, lip movement, retinal scanning, facial recognition software, DNA profiling, thermal imagery, and iris/retinal scanning, to name Just a few (Grant, Terry/ 2008). The use of facial recognition helps to overcome the short-comings of CATV. The ability to use a variable amount of these new technologies creates a multitude of uses for CATV and biometrics. Since 9/1 1 policing has change in both its focus and the way the various agencies communicate.The tragedy of 9/1 1 opened up many eyes to the lack of coordinated communication between local, state and federal agencies. Since that fateful day many changes have occurred. The creation of the Department of Homeland Security (which is a collaboration of smaller agencies) was to help bridge the communication breakdown between agencies as well as creating solutions to threats to national safety. Terrorism training is being given to many people involved in law enforcement. There is also a big push to create solutions to the lack of communication between the various agencies. The goal is a smooth rancher of communication along the various agencies to create a better defense against attacks against America. This is but a fraction of what is going on in the police community, so it is plain to see why the need to adapt to change is the key to the future of law enforcement. It is plain to see that the future of law enforcement is up in the air. I feel that it could go both ways, as in it will certainly help the citizens of our country but at what cost? It is a thin line between giving society security and still upholding their individual rights.