Technology has played a large role in law enforcement-related events, making the job of a police officer even more challenging. This same technology has the opportunity to improve policing policies across the country, especially when it comes to managing and building community relations.
Imagine your department is considering using body cameras and social media as part of a digital dive initiative to build community relations. The department staff has asked you to present your predictions on the future challenges in the field of policing and how the implementation of these technologies can contribute to building safer communities.
Assessment Directions
Create a 8- to 10-slide presentation to help your police department better understand the issues and opportunities around technology, including the use of body cameras and social media. In your presentation:
Identify 2 of the police practices that undermine police legitimacy noted in Ch. 12, “Legitimacy and Trust and Confidence in the Police.” Explain why the practice is a critical operational issue.
Describe challenges the field of policing will face in the future. Provide examples.
Research and describe an incident for which using a body camera has helped the police in accountability and effectiveness.
Research and state an example for which social media was used as a tool by the police in crime control and community relations.
Identify new technologies that can be used in policing in the future to build safer communities and how they can have a positive effect for officers and positive view of policing. Provide examples.
Recommend what decision your department should make regarding new technology, including the use of body cameras and social media. Justify your recommendation.
Include a title slide, a reference slide, and detailed speaker notes with at least 50 words per slide.
Cite at least 2 peer-reviewed, scholarly, or similar references in alphabetical order.
Format your citations and references according to APA guidelines.
Submit your assessment.