Technology continues to revolutionize everything that it touches including the field of law enforcement. Here are four ways that the digital age contributes to better policing.
Drones on Patrol
Law enforcement has given drones the side eye because of amateur users who interfere with police operations via the devices. Mobile cameras in the sky, however, can serve as additional eyes for law enforcement. Unmanned drones can provide real-time information to officers so that they do not enter the area blindly. Responses can be planned more efficiently with cameras in the sky.
Google Glass
Google Glass is the latest innovation by technology giant Google. These computer goggles are not yet equipped to do all of the things that futuristic type glasses are expected to deliver. Google Glass is, however, well on its way to being capable of augmented reality, which includes facial recognition and real-time data. Imagine police officers being able to detect an individual’s criminal background by simply looking their way. Such is the possibility with computer goggles.
Social Media for Solving Crimes
Many critics of sites such as Facebook and Twitter view the social media outlets as nothing more than forums for bullies. It is undoubtedly true that some people feel more at liberty to share what is on their minds from behind a computer screen, which occasionally leads to intimidation online.
Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms also serve as a help to law enforcement, though. Many police agencies take full advantage of the publicity attached to these sites when sending out alerts regarding criminal activity in the neighborhood. Twitter can especially be instrumental since it only takes 140 characters to inform the public about a suspect headed North in a late model sedan. Social media, then, has the power to spread the word about danger sooner so that fewer lives are lost.
Communication Devices
Cloud computing has revolutionized many industries with law enforcement being one such field. Law Enforcement departments are embracing communication systems from companies like Altech Electronics and similar businesses that let dispatchers provide updates to officers in real-time The benefits of communication devices in the cloud are numerous. Most significantly, information can be accessed from any point and not just at one edifice. Such liberality opens the door for dispatchers to work from home, which could lead to even more cost-effectiveness going forward.
Technology will continue to expand and exceed society’s expectations. In the same manner, law enforcement will progress in taking advantage of the latest advances.
Author information: Kare Masterson is a freelance writer from West Jordan, Utah. She graduated from the University of Utah and enjoys writing and spending time with her dog, Max. You can find Kara on Facebook and Twitter.
