Needs and Prospects for Crime-Fighting Technology The Federal Role in Assisting State and Local Law Enforcement

by Schwabe, William

• ISBN13: 9780833027894
• ISBN10: 0833027891
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2000-01-04
• Publisher: RAND Corporation

Summary

Most policing in the United States is done by law enforcement agencies at the local level. Although most Americans prefer that policing be controlled locally, there is considerable support for federal help in funding police. One area in which federal funding has been seen as useful is in the development, testing, and implementation of improved technology. An initiative proposed by the Clinton administration would increase funding of state and local law enforcement, with emphasis on technology assistance, technology deployment, crime lab improvements, and training. This report provides information on the current status in each of these, gives examples of what has been accomplished, and suggests prospects for improvements.

Table of Contents

Preface	p. iii
Tables	p. ix
Executive Summary	p. xi
Acknowledgments	p. xv
Introduction	p. 1
Contextual Overview	p. 5
Crime in the United States	p. 5
State and Local Law Enforcement	p. 6
The Need for Modern Technology	p. 7
The Need for Federal Assistance	p. 8
Limits to Federal Assistance	p. 9
Legacy of the LEAA	p. 10
What's Different Now	p. 11
Responsive Technology Assistance	p. 13
Current System	p. 13
National Center	p. 16
Regional Centers	p. 17
Special Offices	p. 20
Examples of Technology Assistance	p. 23
Utica Arson Strike Force	p. 23
Technology Assistance to a Fire Department	p. 24
Audio Enhancement Processing Helps Build Murder Case	p. 25
Still Photo from Videotape Prompts Confession	p. 25
Computer File Analysis Identifies Victims	p. 26
E-Mail Analysis Nabs Child Molester	p. 26
NLECTC Metallurgy Expertise Discredits Murder Alibi	p. 26
Videotape Enhancement Clears Suspect	p. 27
Technology in Strategic Planning	p. 27
Crime Mapping and Database Challenges	p. 28
Prospects for Improved Technology Assistance	p. 29
Technology Deployment	p. 31
Current Status	p. 31
Technology Available to Campus Police	p. 32
A Computer System to Track Gang Members	p. 32
Wireless Data Communications	p. 33
Technology Development	p. 33
Smart Gun	p. 35
Vehicle Stopping	p. 36
Counterterrorism	p. 37
Communications Systems	p. 38
Testing and Evaluation	p. 39
Technologies Tested in Mock Prison Riot	p. 40
OLETC Commercialization Projects	p. 40
Technology Too Good to Be True	p. 42
Supporting Technology Acquisition	p. 43
Factors in Acquisition Decisions: The Example of Less-Than-Lethal Technology	p. 43
An LA Story: Differences Technology Can Make	p. 45
Prospects for Improved Technology Deployment	p. 46
21st Century Crime Labs	p. 47
Ongoing FBI DNA Initiatives	p. 49
Technology Plays Role in New Orleans Crime Reduction	p. 50
Status and Needs	p. 50
Training	p. 50
Technology Transfer	p. 51
Methods RDTandE	p. 52
Examples of Lab Caseloads	p. 54
Equipment and Facility Needs	p. 56
Prospects for Improved Crime Labs	p. 57
Bridging the Training Gap	p. 59
Current Status	p. 59
Leadership	p. 60
Community Involvement	p. 60
Management and Supervision	p. 60
Crisis Management	p. 60
Force Management and Integrity Issues	p. 61
Staffing, Personnel, and Legal Issues	p. 61
Patrol Operations and Tactical Responses	p. 61
Investigations	p. 62
Proposed Training Support	p. 62
Prospects for Improved Training	p. 63
Recommendations	p. 65
References	p. 67
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