Law enforcement is ever-evolving. As crime becomes more diverse and sophisticated, the ability to fight against it must do the same.
From fighting petty crime to cybercrime, police operations have an obligation to use the newest and most advanced law enforcement technology.
But what are some of these technologies? You’ll be amazed at some of these policing innovations and how they are used to keep us safe and to crack down on all sorts of crime. Keep reading to learn about these law enforcement innovations.
1. Biometrics
You may have heard the term biometrics when shopping around for a new phone. Simply put, biometrics are measurements of the human body or human behaviors used to identify an individual.
The human fingerprint was first used to help convict a murderer in 1910. Fast forward just over 100 years, and there is now an array of biometrics that police use in law enforcement.
Facial recognition and DNA are already widely used, and biometrics like voice, iris, and even wrist vein recognition is starting to be implemented.
2. Artificial Intelligence
What’s fascinating about AI is that it can now be used to predict crime. That may seem like an idea from a movie, and in fact, it is – similarities have been drawn by the fictional Minority Report and the literal PrePol (Predictive Policing).
The idea behind this type of policing is that it mitigates human error and bias by using data to predict crimes rather than assumptions or hunches.
3. Drones
You’ve heard the phrase “big brother is always watching,” and this is more true now than ever before. Drone technology has become more accessible to the general public in the last decade, and this, in turn, means that mass production of drones is possible.
For law enforcement, drones can save huge amounts of money. One drone can monitor a whole neighborhood and have one paid staff member monitoring it. More police can be despatched as and when they are required.
4. Telescopic Masts
In 2020, while there were fewer mass gatherings, there seemed to be an influx of riots and protests. These are difficult to police, but thanks to telescopic masts, police can survey and police these events efficiently. Read more about telescopic masts at theratt.com.
5. In the Field Technologies
Police can use technology not just from a computer in an office but also from active policing. Technologies like augmented reality glasses, for example, can provide police with valuable information about an unfamiliar area.
A walk down a street could show locations of previous crimes and callouts, as well as instant access to names and addresses of past convicts. It gives an officer an added degree of safety which would not be possible without using this technology.
Law Enforcement Technology Saves Lives
Some of these technologies may look like they are infringing on our privacy, but we must remember that the goal of policing is protection, not an intrusion.
The old saying rings true. If you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to worry about. A law enforcement technology like AI could predict a crime in your area, allowing police to attend before it has even happened.
If you want to read more information like this, check out the security section of the website.