Nola M. Joyce, former deputy commissioner for the Philadelphia Police Department
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
Police Use of Technology Threatens My Constitutional Rights
Police use of technology is a complex issue with both pros and cons. However, I believe that the increased use of technology by police poses a significant threat to the public.
One of the biggest concerns about police use of technology is that it can lead to mass surveillance and the erosion of our Fourth Amendment rights. The Fourth Amendment protects us from unreasonable searches and seizures. However, many police technologies, such as facial recognition software and automated license plate readers, can be used to collect data on people without their knowledge or consent. This data can then be used to track people's movements and activities, even if they are not suspected of any crime.
Full Answer Section
Another concern is that police technology can be biased and inaccurate. For example, studies have shown that facial recognition software is more likely to misidentify people of color and women. This means that innocent people could be mistakenly targeted by police because of their race or gender. Additionally, police technology can be used to suppress dissent and target marginalized communities. For example, police have used drones to monitor protests and have used social media to track people who are critical of law enforcement. This type of surveillance can have a chilling effect on free speech and can make it more difficult for people to organize and protest injustice. While there are some potential benefits to police use of technology, such as the ability to solve crimes more efficiently, I believe that the risks outweigh the benefits. Police technology has the potential to erode our constitutional rights, create a surveillance state, and disproportionately target marginalized communities. Here are some specific examples of the risks associated with police use of technology:- Facial recognition software: Facial recognition software has been shown to be inaccurate, especially when it comes to identifying people of color and women. This means that innocent people could be mistakenly arrested or detained because of this technology.
- Automated license plate readers (ALPRs): ALPRs are used by police to track and monitor people's movements. However, ALPRs can also be used to collect data on people without their knowledge or consent. This data can then be used to create a database of people's movements, which could be used to target marginalized communities or suppress dissent.
- Body cameras: Body cameras can be used to hold police accountable for misconduct. However, body camera footage can also be used to track people's movements and activities. Additionally, body camera footage can be used to identify and target people who are critical of law enforcement.
- Drones: Drones can be used by police to monitor protests and other public gatherings. However, drones can also be used to invade people's privacy and to suppress free speech.