Second Annual Conference on Law Enforcement Technology for the 21st Century: Conference Report

• NCJ Number: 158024
• Author(s): National Institute of Justice
• Date Published: May 1995
• Length: 56 pages
• Agencies: NIJ

Annotation

This second (1995) Law Enforcement Technology Conference was designed to generate discussion of core issues in increasing the benefits of technology for law enforcement; to continue a dialog and partnerships among law enforcement, industry, and government; and to facilitate bringing the technology of criminal justice operations into the 21st century.

Abstract

The conference discussions of the expansion of technologies for law enforcement considered a variety of issues, including potential liabilities in using various technologies, technology’s impact on public safety, business opportunities related to technology’s use in law enforcement, technology needs, technology as a force multiplier, technology affordability, government responsibility, and opportunities to leverage research and development. The conference highlighted technological achievements since the first conference and addressed the production and marketing of technology relevant to state and local law enforcement responsibilities. The conference featured a Fred W. Friendly Program that stimulated consideration of the appropriate role of government in the development of new technologies for increasing law enforcement effectiveness. Conference panel members analyzed hypothetical situations that might arise in law enforcement’s use of various technologies. In the session entitled “Business of Technology: An Industry Perspective,” industry representatives discussed their perspectives on developing and producing technologies for a decentralized criminal justice community. This session included a review of successful examples and lessons learned in market development in parallel sectors; how technology can significantly increase performance; how market structure and cohesion affect product development; and how industry is responding to the strategic plan presented by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) at the conference’s opening session.