NCJ Number
223189
Journal
THE POLICE CHIEF Volume: 75 Issue: 6 Dated: June 2008 Pages: 20-22,24,25
Date Published
June 2008
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article briefly describes the many new and current generational technologies in law enforcement.
Abstract
Technology is changing the way police departments operate. It is essential for law enforcement agencies and executives to stay current with ongoing technological developments. Police executives must be skilled in acquiring technology through a variety of funding sources. This article outlines several new technologies, most of which are used currently by the Lafayette, CO Police Department. Most of these technologies were obtained through a series of funding options and function as force multipliers that improve efficiency, effectiveness, and officer safety in a variety of ways. Technologies outlined in this article include: crime lights, in-car camera systems, photo enforcement systems, graffiti cameras, thermal imaging--searching for individuals, evidence and deterrence, and marijuana investigations, criminal investigations records systems, electronic white boards, radios, lasers, language translators, diagramming systems, crime mapping, less-lethal technology, reducing police pursuits, camera for K-9 units, automatic license plate recognition, and global positioning system (GPS). These noted technologies are but a few of the current generation of technologies with which law enforcement should be familiar.