CEBCP and PERF Release Study of Social, Organizational, and Behavioral Aspects of Implementing Policing Technologies

The Center for Evidence-Based Crime Policy (CEBCP) at George Mason University (GMU) and the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) have released a publication titled Realizing the Potential of Technology in Policing funded by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ). The purpose of the study was to more fully understand technological changes in policing and make recommendations for optimizing the use of technology in policing. The study used a multi-method approach in four large agencies to investigate the uses and impacts of several information, analytic, surveillance, and forensic technologies that are central to everyday police functions.

The investigators found that technology’s effects are complex and contradictory; technological advances do not always produce straightforward improvements in communication, cooperation, productivity, job satisfaction, or officers’ effectiveness in reducing crime and serving citizens. Recommendations to police practitioners include allowing for a broad base of participation in the technology planning and implementation process by various personnel who will be affected by the technology and providing ample opportunities for pilot testing and refining early versions of technology, among many others.

To read the full publication, click here.