Policing: Issues and Trends Chapter 7

Learning Objectives Describe the new technologies that affect policing Discuss the issues and problems that emerge from increased attention to homeland security Analyze the policing and related activities undertaken by private-sector security Discuss the ways police can abuse their power and the challenges of controlling this abuse Identify the methods that increase police accountability

Policing and New Technology Keeping up with sophisticated criminals & scientific methods The Challenge of New Crimes Cell-phone apps Counterfeiting Crime-enabling technology

Investigative Tools Crime-enabling technology Databases High-powered weapons & body armor Geographic Information Systems (GIS) “Smart cars” & gunshot location technologies Databases Fingerprint identification (IAFIS) Criminal records, DNA, tattoos, etc.

Forensic Tools Used

DNA Testing Increasingly effective CODIS Federally mandated sample collection Cold cases Testing delays and backlogs Inconsistent policies & errors persist, more uniform system necessary

Surveillance and Identification Cameras & Scanners TSA: full-body, backscatter x-ray scanners Facial-recognition software Iris-recognition technology Poygraphs & thermal-imaging cameras Brain-wave response & MRI’s

Weapons Technology Improper use of force lawsuits Nonlethal & less-lethal weapons Problems with less-lethal weapons Not always effective Officers may resort to use too quickly Additional costs & training

Homeland Security Criticism of FBI, and its arguments over jurisdiction with ATF Preparing for Threats Joint Terrorism Task Forces Airport & border security Law enforcement intelligence gathering & sharing

Preparing for Threats Fusion Centers State & local intelligence operations Changes within local police training, equipment, and operations “Lone-wolf” terrorists Incident Command System (ICS)

New Laws and Controversies Post 9/11 attacks, more than 30 states have added new laws—some very controversial Violating individual rights? Privacy? *Use of drones to spy and conduct illegal searches Overstepping of bounds? Gang & drug prosecutions under new anti-terrorism laws USA Patriot Act Excessive authority?

Security Management and Private Policing Private security has become more complex and important Protection of company assets Threats have spurred expansion Increased workplace crime Increased fears, real & imagined

Employment in Private and Public Protection, 1970-2010

Functions of Security Management & Private Policing Security managers fill multiple roles Police & fire chief, emergency management, and computer security Risk management Private-sector detectives Security guards Performance of simple police tasks

Private Police and Homeland Security Security for vital facilities: nuclear plants, refineries, military assets Significant problems have emerged DHS guarded by private security Serious lack of training & testing Underpaid Scandals

Private Employment of Public Police Top management often retired or former police or military personnel Off-duty employment (i.e., moonlighting) Officers retain full powers off-duty

Private Employment of Public Police (continued) Conflict of Interest Barred from taking too many outside jobs Management Prerogatives *3 Models designed to manage off-duty work: Department contract model Officer contract model Union brokerage model

The Public–Private Interface Boundary between police and private Private goals do not always serve public Recruitment and Training Higher levels draw college graduates Lower levels—little education & training, low pay, high turnover

Police Abuse of Power Use of Force What is meant by excessive force & police brutality? Used infrequently, usually low-force when making an arrest Deadly force deeply emotional issue High number of African Americans shot & killed

Table 7.2 Reported Uses of Force by Big-City Police

Use of Force (cont.) Key Supreme Court Cases on use of force: *Tennessee v. Garner (1985) *Graham v. Connor (1989) Risk of lawsuits looms over departments Training, internal review, disciplining or firing “quick-trigger” officers New means sought to apply force: based on “reasonableness” of the moment—discretion back to the officer

Corruption Grass Eaters and Meat Eaters? “Blue-coat code” Mooching, bribery, chiseling, extortion, shopping, shakedown, premeditated theft, favoritism, perjury, prejudice Controlling Corruption Citizen complaints & scandals

Civic Accountability Internal Affairs Units: Police policing the police Investigates complaints against officers “Blue Wall (or curtain) of Silence” Civilian Review Boards No power to investigate or discipline Effectiveness has not been tested

Civic Accountability (cont.) Standards and Accreditation Nationally recognized standards Civil Liability Lawsuits Charges: brutality, false arrest, and negligence. Large money damages incentivize reform