Policing has experienced transformative changes in response to the evolving social, political, and technological climates throughout history. Advancements in technology have played a significant role in shaping policing methods, allowing law enforcement agencies to improve and adapt their capabilities over time. This essay explores how technology has impacted policing across three distinct eras: the Political, Professional, and Community Oriented. It further examines the overarching effects of science and technology on policing while discussing both benefits and challenges that result from these interactions.
During the Political Era (mid-19th to early 20th century), police departments were primarily concerned with maintaining social order and supporting political establishments. Technology in this era was relatively limited, with advancements mainly focused on communication and transportation. According to Greene (2000), police officers relied on telegraphs, telephones, and bicycles to respond to incidents swiftly and communicate information efficiently.
Technology in patrol during the Political Era brought about notable changes. The introduction of telegraphs facilitated faster dissemination of information among police stations, aiding in coordinating responses to criminal activities. Additionally, the use of bicycles allowed officers to cover larger areas, enabling more effective patrolling and quicker responses to incidents. However, the impact of technology on policing methods was relatively modest compared to later eras.
The Professional Era (1920s-1970s) witnessed a shift towards a more centralized and bureaucratic model of policing. Technology during this era was crucial in improving communication, record-keeping, and investigation capabilities (Vitale, 2021). Police departments adopted two-way radios, police call boxes, and early computer systems to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.
In patrol, technology revolutionized policing methods. Two-way radios enabled real-time communication between officers, enabling better coordination during patrols and emergency responses. Police call boxes installed in various locations facilitated incident reporting, enhancing law enforcement personnel’s reach (Zedner, 2006). Moreover, advancements in computing technology led to the development of early crime databases and record-keeping systems, allowing officers to access information more readily and aid in investigations.
Finally, the Community Oriented Era (1980s-present) marked a paradigm shift in policing, emphasizing collaboration between police departments and communities. Technological advancements during this era focused on information management, crime analysis, and community engagement (Skogan & Hartnett, 2019). The advent of the internet and digital communication revolutionized policing practices.
Technology profoundly impacted patrol methods in the Community Oriented Era. Computer-aided dispatch systems improved response times by automating call handling and dispatching processes. Ghose (2001) recognizes the role of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), which allows officers to visualize and analyze crime patterns, enabling proactive policing strategies. Using surveillance cameras in public spaces enhanced situational awareness and crime deterrence. Additionally, social media platforms provided avenues for community engagement, enabling police departments to build trust and effectively share information with the public.
The effect of science and technology on policing extends beyond specific eras. According to Byrne and Marx (2011), the onset of forensic science, including DNA analysis, ballistics, and fingerprinting, remarkably reformed crime inquiries leading to more accurate identifications and convictions. In addition, the utilization of surveillance technologies has proven substantially efficient in identifying criminals and tracing lost individuals. Predictive policing algorithms and data analytics have helped allocate resources more efficiently by identifying high-crime areas and predicting future incidents.
The advancements in communication systems, information management and crime analysis have increased law enforcement agencies’ efficacy and productivity. With technological developments, officer safety has improved greatly while response times and investigative capabilities are enhanced to ensure better prevention and resolution of criminal activities (Koper et al., 2015). While such reliance on technology yields desirable results for policing, it poses certain challenges, like privacy concerns due to increased surveillance technologies and vast amounts of data collected.
In conclusion, technology has been instrumental in shaping the different eras of policing, from the limited communication tools of the Political Era to the sophisticated information management systems of the Community Oriented Era. The impact of science and technology on policing extends beyond specific eras, revolutionizing investigative techniques, enhancing officer safety, and improving community engagement. While the benefits are undeniable, challenges must be addressed to ensure the responsible and effective use of technology in policing.
References
Byrne, J., & Marx, G. (2011). Technological innovations in crime prevention and policing. A review of the research on implementation and impact. Journal of Police Studies, 20(3), 17–40.
Ghose, R. (2001). Use of information technology for community empowerment: Transforming geographic information systems into community information systems. Transactions in GIS, 5(2), 141–163.
Greene, J. R. (2000). Community policing in America: Changing the nature, structure, and function of the police. Criminal justice, 3(3), 299–370.
Koper, C. S., Lum, C., Willis, J. J., Woods, D. J., & Hibdon, J. (2015, December). Realizing the potential of technology in policing: A multi-site study of the social, organizational, and behavioural aspects of implementing policing technologies. In Report to the National Institute of Justice, US Department of Justice. Fairfax, VA: Center for Evidence-Based Crime Policy, George Mason University and Police Executive Research Forum.
Skogan, W. G., & Hartnett, S. M. (2019). Community policing. Police innovation: Contrasting perspectives, 27-44.
Vitale, A. S. (2021). The end of policing. Verso Books.
Zedner, L. (2006). Policing before and after the police: The historical antecedents of contemporary crime control. British Journal of Criminology, 46(1), 78–96.
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