Deputy commissioner for the Philadelphia Police Department

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Nola M. Joyce, former deputy commissioner for the Philadelphia Police Department, once wrote the following in a blog post for the National Police Foundation:

Today police departments are using surveillance cameras, gunshot detection systems, automated license plate readers, facial recognition software, body cameras, drones, and numerous databases to prevent, respond and investigate crimes…. The question is not whether this technology exists, but rather, should police use it when it becomes available to them? And, if so, how should it be used?

For your initial post, you will take a position on this issue. Do you agree or disagree that the increased use of technology may pose a threat to the public?

First, title your post either “Police Use of Technology Makes Me Feel Safer” or “Police Use of Technology Threatens My Constitutional Rights.”

Then, using the information gained in this module and the resources noted above, make your case. What are the pros and cons of police technology use? Be sure to build your case with factual resources.

In response to your peers, consider how well they have justified their position, making use of available resources. Consider the following questions in your response posts:

Did your peers support their position convincingly with appropriate resources? Which of their points make the most sense to you, even if you made a case for the opposing viewpoint?

 

Sample Solution

Title: Police Use of Technology Threatens My Constitutional Rights

The increased use of technology by police departments has raised concerns about the potential for these technologies to violate citizens’ privacy and civil liberties. Some of the specific concerns include:

  • Surveillance cameras: Surveillance cameras can be used to track people’s movements and activities, even when they are not suspected of any crime. This raises concerns about the potential for cameras to be used to spy on people or to target certain groups of people.
  • Shotgun detection systems: ShotSpotter systems are used to detect the sound of gunfire and to pinpoint the location of the gunfire. These systems can be used to respond to shootings more quickly, but they also raise concerns about the potential for false positives and for the systems to be used to track people’s movements.
  • Automated license plate readers: Automated license plate readers (ALPRs) can be used to scan license plates and to track the movements of vehicles. These systems can be used to investigate crimes, but they also raise concerns about the potential for ALPRs to be used to track people’s movements without their knowledge or consent.
  • Facial recognition software: Facial recognition software can be used to identify people from their faces. This technology can be used to catch criminals, but it also raises concerns about the potential for facial recognition software to be used to discriminate against people or to violate their privacy.
  • Body cameras: Body cameras worn by police officers can be used to record their interactions with the public. This technology can be used to hold police officers accountable and to protect citizens from police abuse, but it also raises concerns about the potential for body cameras to be used to invade people’s privacy.
  • Drones: Drones can be used by police departments to conduct surveillance, to track suspects, and to respond to emergencies. This technology can be useful for law enforcement, but it also raises concerns about the potential for drones to be used to invade people’s privacy or to violate their civil liberties.

These are just some of the concerns that have been raised about the use of technology by police departments. It is important to weigh the potential benefits of these technologies against the potential risks to civil liberties. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use these technologies should be made on a case-by-case basis, with careful consideration of the specific circumstances.

In my opinion, the increased use of technology by police departments does pose a threat to my constitutional rights. I am concerned about the potential for these technologies to be used to track my movements, to monitor my activities, and to invade my privacy. I am also concerned about the potential for these technologies to be used to discriminate against me or to violate my civil liberties.

I believe that the use of technology by police departments should be carefully regulated and that there should be strong safeguards in place to protect civil liberties. I also believe that the public should be given more transparency about how these technologies are being used.

 

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