NCJ Number
205069
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 31 Issue: 3 Dated: March 2004 Pages: 86,88,90
Date Published
March 2004
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article describes technological innovations in domestic law enforcement.
Abstract
Terrorism has caused a shift in the way local law enforcement agencies are carrying out business as usual. Before the events of September 11, American law enforcement lacked the political clout and financial resources to develop technological innovations for domestic law enforcement uses. However, local law enforcement officers are now expected to be the first responders to incidents of terrorism, and thus need to be able to handle a range of dangerous situations. As a result, technologies are being funded and developed at a fast pace. The article begins with a scenario in which wireless robot-type devices fitted with cameras allow police officers to view a hostage situation from inside the scene. Less-lethal weapons that are in development include the Active Denial System (ADS), which is currently being developed by the Air Force Research Laboratory. ADS can be used to instantaneously debilitate an individual by flash-baking their skin to approximately 130 Fahrenheit by a millimeter-wave electromagnetic device that can be fired from more than 200 yards away. Other less-lethal options being developed include tetanization devices, such as handheld tasers and chemically-based options. Other prevention-oriented devices will be able to detect contraband without intrusive personal searches and will be able to detect handguns and other weapons on school grounds and drugs in prisons. The key concept to this new paradigm of policing is the idea of a cyber command post where information on terrorist and other threats can be centrally analyzed and dispersed to all law enforcement agencies involved. The concept of the cyber command post addresses four fundamental factors necessary to effectively respond to an emergency situation. The cyber command center would: (1) increase situational awareness by utilizing sensors and cameras; (2) allow all parties involved to share a common knowledge or operational picture of the event; (3) investigators to view dangerous situations virtually while remaining in a position of safety; and (4) allow for a communications feedback loop to contribute to tactical decisionmaking.