Abstract
The paper's topic is thinking about the future of law enforcement. The importance of thinking about the future of policing cannot be overstated given the need for a change in law enforcement from a reactive process to a proactive process. Such thinking has major ramifications for both law enforcement officials and members of the public. The law enforcement's future is likely to be characterized by technological solutions that make policing easier. Some of the solutions discussed include information technology, predictive policing, RFID chips, wearable technology and UAVs.
Introduction
Thinking about the future of law enforcement is integral in pushing individuals in viewing policing in unique and novel ways. It is also an essential process in pushing individuals to challenge assumptions and expand horizons regarding law enforcement. Currently, law enforcement is regarded as a reactive process. Law enforcement officers tend to focus on responding to the public’s request for services. Policing agencies tend to focus on the narrow assessment of specific issues in the short-term when they look into the future. Law enforcement at the state and domestic levels is designed to satisfy the reactive demands for policing service. Such tendencies and assumptions need to be challenged by thinking critically about the future of law enforcement. Such thinking is likely to be beneficial since it will transform law enforcement into a proactive, analytic, and future-looking process. Thinking about law enforcement's future is also beneficial since it can guide policymakers in devising better policies that allow law enforcement systems to remain feasibly in the increasingly complex environment susceptible to social and technological developments. In addition, law enforcement agencies can identify the analytical and cognitive deficiencies that characterize the law enforcement profession.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Future Policing Solutions
Policing solutions that will be adopted in the future are likely to be new technology tools and systems geared towards improving the law enforcement profession. Technology progress is inevitable, and, in this case, law enforcement agencies must consistently adapt to the ever-shifting circumstances. When addressing the future of law enforcement, one cannot ignore the potentially huge impact of information technology. It has the potential of reducing crime, improving cost efficiency, and diminishing the number of terrorist attacks (Schafer, 2007) . Information technology systems such as new digital radios are likely to be developed given the projected introduction of more powerful computers. Law enforcement officers can use new digital radio systems to share information when needed. In this case, law enforcement efforts can be improved significantly.
The law enforcement's future is likely to be characterized by predictive policing, the process of collecting data from different sources, analyzing them, and then using the findings to predict, avoid, and respond to crime effectively. Predictive policing systems are likely to gather data from neighborhoods and communities with the data being analyzed by a supercomputer to identify areas prone to criminal activities (Pearsall, 2010) . The supercomputer can analyze the data and relay the results in real-time, allowing the officers to respond quickly to potentially dangerous situations.
Radio Frequency Identification chips can be adopted to great effect in the law enforcement field. The small information technology devices can be attached to items or individuals being tracked. They are programmed with a broad range of information and possess their own radio antennae. Such features allow them to connect identifying information to their linked objects. RFID chips can be embedded into handguns that are linked to other chips embedded into wristbands worn by the law enforcement officers (Silberglitt et al., 2015) . Individuals with proper authorization programmed into their chips can be allowed to cause the gun to fire. In this scenario, the safety of the officers can be significantly improved since criminals cannot cause the officer’s weapon to shoot. The system can be made potentially safer by implanting the chip directly into the police officer’s hand or arm. The implant would eliminate the need for wearing an external device.
The future of law enforcement is likely to be characterized by a variety of sensors, such as cameras of different shapes, sizes, and capabilities. Such cameras can offer in-depth information regarding localized environmental conditions and criminal activities taking place in a specific location (Schafer, 2007). They can also be used to reveal the security status at high-profile meetings. Such cameras can be set up in numerous locations in which communities live. Resultantly, they can offer a broad range of information required to significantly boost crime prevention and homeland security practices.
Another policing solution that is likely to be adopted in the future is wearable technology. In the future, law enforcement is likely to be characterized by the use of miniaturized devices. Micro-and nanotechnology is likely to lead to the emergence of very small devices that pack huge computing power (Parry & Richardson, 2013) . Such devices can be worn as wristbands by law enforcement officers, enabling them to perform both digital computing and communication when needed. In addition, other wearable technology devices that can be used by law enforcement officers in the future include eyewear that can illustrate real-time data regarding a suspect’s potential movement. In this case, in case a gun battle ensues, the law enforcement officers can anticipate the suspect’s movement and, in effect, protect themselves from harm. The display of information can allow the law enforcement officers to focus on their mission and, as a result, enhance their performance on the field.
In the future, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles that take off and land vertically can be used by law enforcement officers in monitoring potential suspects and following those who are fleeing. Such vehicles can perform such tasks without the law enforcement officer controlling its motion or action. Law enforcement officers can deploy such devices at traffic stops to better observe the inside of a vehicle. Their safety can be guaranteed when they deploy the UAVs at a scene to identify and monitor various individuals within close proximity (Schafer, 2007) . The UAVs can warn the officers of any dangerous activities that they may be unaware of. In instances in which there are large crowds, the UAVs can be used to track dangerous suspects and warn the officers if the suspects were approaching them from behind. The UAVs might position themselves to prevent an attack on the officer by a suspect. In this case, the safety of the law enforcement officer will be guaranteed.
Conclusion
Overall, thinking about the future of law enforcement is essential in coming up with fresh ideas that can improve policing systems and outcomes. New technology solutions that allow the effective management of law enforcement officers can be identified and implemented if the thought process is initiated at first. Such solutions can improve policing outcomes since law enforcement officials will be taught to better utilize their abilities and skills in the field. In addition, thinking about the future of law enforcement can lead to an increase in their proactiveness, leading to increased safety and reduced crime. In this sense, community members will benefit significantly from the adoption of the solutions. Information technology, predictive policing, RFID chips, wearables and UAVs are likely to characterize the future of law enforcement and policing efforts. Such solutions are likely to enhance the safety of law enforcement officials.
References
Parry, J. T., & Richardson, L. S. (2013). The constitution and the future of criminal justice in America . Cambridge University Press.
Pearsall, B. (2010). Predictive policing: The future of law enforcement. National Institute of Justice Journal , 266 (1), 16-19.
Schafer, J. A. (2007). Policing 2020: Exploring the future of crime, communities, and policing . US Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Silberglitt, R. S., Chow, B. G., Jackson, B. A., Woods, D., Hollywood, J. S., Zaydman, M., Law Enforcement Futuring Workshop., ... Rand Corporation. (2015). Visions of law enforcement technology in the period 2024-2034: Report of the Law Enforcement Futuring Workshop . Santa Monica, Calif: RAND Corporation.
