Technology in the field of policing has evolved over the years. It has been used by law enforcement since the 1930s, with some elements of that technology being more suited to policing. Forensics and fingerprinting were discovered, as well as the taser, which was created specifically for law enforcement officers. Various types of body-worn cameras are also being used by police to identify suspects. In addition to body-worn cameras, other types of technology include GPS and Gunshot detection.
Body-worn cameras
The most significant advancement, according to Jason Stone Injury Lawyers, in body-worn camera technology is the ability to automatically turn on in the field. These cameras have advanced sensors that will activate the camera when it detects an officer down. The body-worn camera will record two minutes of video and audio while alerting nearby officers of the situation and transmitting the downed officer’s GPS coordinates to help speed response times. These cameras will save precious police time, enabling the force to protect its officers and the public.
The best way to determine whether body-worn cameras are effective is to watch police officers in action. The use of body-worn cameras has been criticized by some. Yet there are also plenty of benefits. In 2016, the use of body-worn cameras was the most common method used to record crimes, and many police officers have said they’re not biased. This is because body-worn cameras record all the crimes that a police officer commits, including those that involve unarmed people. The body-worn cameras are not perfect.
Augmented reality goggles
Police forces may soon be using AR goggles to make their job easier and more accurate. These glasses can help officers identify fugitives by color, and can even help them with training missions in dimly lit areas. This technology has the potential to improve police work and prevent friendly-fire tragedies. Researchers are currently testing the glasses to determine whether they will be beneficial for law enforcement. They are presenting their work at the Computer Supported Cooperative Work conference in Bellevue, Washington.
One application of AR is in combating domestic abuse. In a recent attack in Stockholm, a lorry deliberately drove into crowds in a department store and shopping center. In the ensuing chaos, five people were killed and fourteen were seriously injured. Police in Sweden are using AR to protect the public, and the latest versions of these goggles are designed to help police tackle crime. They can even help train officers about how to handle life-threatening situations.
GPS
One of the many ways that police technology uses GPS is in the field. GPS locators help officers keep track of the exact location of vehicles, and they can use this information to help them locate suspects in the field. They can also use these devices for officer safety, and they can coordinate routes and estimate arrival times for different teams. In addition to their use in the field, GPS can be a useful tool for the military. In addition, the technology can be used in urban policing settings, as well.
Ultimately, this technology helps law enforcement teams improve their compliance procedures. By delivering live data to desktop computers and smartphones, GPS tracking devices can help police departments prove that they were at a certain location when a crime occurred, or that they completed a task in a timely manner. This information is also useful for improving employee performance and productivity within organizations. This technology also helps police officers prove their work and their location, thereby deterring criminal activity and increasing public safety.
Gunshot detection
Recently, the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project released a report questioning the usefulness of gunshot detection technology like ShotSpotter. This device helps police determine where shots were fired in real time, and then provides detailed forensic reports for court cases. But it is not without problems. In the report, the authors highlight three major challenges associated with this technology. Let’s take a closer look at each one and determine whether or not this technology is beneficial for police departments.
ShotSpotters are a new type of technology that listens for gunshot sounds and sends alerts to police officers with precise locations. In the case of the Woom Sing Tse case, an officer in New York City received an alert from the ShotSpotter and examined city-operated video cameras near the crime scene. Another officer looked at license plate reader data and interviews witnesses to identify the car in question. These technologies helped the police to track down and arrest suspect Alphonso Joyner.