Emerging Technologies
Course
Law
Enforcement II
Unit XIX
Emerging
Technology in
Law
Enforcement
Essential
Question
What emerging
technologies
are used in law
enforcement to
assist officers
efficiently with
their daily
tasks?
TEKS
§130.294(c)
(19)(A)(B)
Prior Student
Learning
none
Estimated
time
2 to 4 hours
Rationale
As technology develops, law enforcement agencies must stay ahead of the
curve in order to serve the public safely and combat crime. It is important for
students who want to pursue law enforcement careers to understand
technological advancements and their impact on officer performance.
Objectives
The student will be able to:
1. Recognize the considerations law enforcement agencies contemplate
in determining whether to update or integrate emerging technologies
2. Distinguish between current, new, and futuristic law enforcement
technologies
3. Define the applicability of a particular technology
Engage
Show a video demonstrating one or more new technologies. To find a video
perform an Internet search for the following key words: NLECTC Minutes
channel.
(Note: This channel is produced by the National Law Enforcement and
Corrections Technology Center.) Use the following discussion questions to
lead the students in a discussion:
 How do these technologies prevent/deter crime?
 How do these technologies protect law enforcement officers?
 How do these technologies protect the public?
 How do these technologies assist in investigations or in evidence
capturing?
Use the Discussion Rubric for assessment.
Key Points
I. Agency Considerations
A. Financial challenges
1. Budget of the agency
2. Cost savings
3. Service and maintenance costs of technology
4. National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center
(NLECTC) Technology Decision Tool – to help an agency
assess the cost benefit of its technology
B. Training
1. Little/no training vs. extensive training
2. Size of the agency
C. Operational needs
1. Geographical area that the agency serves
2. Demographics of the area that the agency serves
3. Increased efficiency and effectiveness
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4. Expected outcome of the technology’s use
D. Necessity vs. Luxury
1. Will the technology improve the agency’s basic services?
2. Does the technology improve the response time?
3. Does the technology provide more information to the officer
when needed?
4. Will the use of the technology increase the confidence of the
public?
5. Will the use of the technology increase officer safety and
efficiency?
II.
Currently Used Technologies (not an exclusive list)
A. Prevention
1. Radios
a) Wireless and digital capabilities
b) Ability to share information in seconds (i.e. pictures,
records, fingerprints, video footage)
c) Ability to share in secure, real-time mode
2. Mobile Computer Systems within a Patrol Unit
a) Computerized records check
b) Dispatch information
c) Report-writing from the field
(1) Reduces the amount of paperwork
(2) Improves an officer’s availability
d) Graphical Information Systems (GIS) – mapping
technology
3. Audio/Video Cameras
a) In-car cameras
b) Photo enforcement system
(1) At traffic lights
(2) Monitor speeding and red-light violations
c) Graffiti Cameras
(1) Talking surveillance – warns the person of illegal
behavior, such as graffiti spraying, illegal dumping, or
loitering
(2) Warns the person that a picture, through video, is
being captured
(3) Is wireless and solar-powered for easy movability of
camera
B. Investigation
1. Crime Lights
a) Differing preset light wavelengths that detect hair, fibers,
and body fluids
b) Time efficient – speeds up time it takes to process a crime
scene
2. Thermal Imaging
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a) Produces images of radiated or reflected surface energy
b) Assists in finding fleeing fugitives, missing children, or
missing elderly persons
c) Takes less time for locating
d) Easy use, storage, and maintenance
3. Criminal Investigations Record Systems
a) Software matches suspects to particular crimes
b) Matches occur through the use of aliases, partial names,
physical descriptions, or vehicle descriptions
C. Protection
1. In-car camera – increases officer accountability and protects
officers falsely accused of unprofessional behavior
2. License Plate Tag Readers – automatically recognizes license
plates to locate stolen vehicles
3. Global Positioning System (GPS) – track the location of police
units
4. Robots – to defuse bombs or to take real-time video in high-risk
areas
5. Weapons
a) Non-lethal
(1) Stun gun – emits volts of electricity affecting the major
motor muscles; suspects are disarmed and
incapacitated with little to no physical side effects
(2) Beanbag gun
b) Lethal
(1) Service handgun
(2) Shotgun
D. Prosecution
1. Diagramming Systems – produces high-quality digital diagrams
that can be used in court
2. In-car Camera System – captures evidence that can be used as
a silent witness (i.e. traffic stops, DWI’s)
III. Newly Developed Technologies in Use (not an exclusive list)
A. Prevention
1. Cell phone applications
a) Can look up a suspect’s records from a phone
b) Can locate persons of interest, which can lead to arrests
c) Has field-reporting capabilities
d) Uses nationwide data transfer networks
2. Automobile pursuit systems
a) Deploys GPS tag to track fleeing suspect vehicle
b) Launches from the grille of the patrol vehicle
c) Challenges
(1) Ineffective adhesive on tag
(2) Operator error
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(3) Distance/terrain-related misses
3. Surveillance Video Systems
a) Real-time video monitoring and servicing system
b) Live video monitoring centers
c) More efficient response times
B. Investigation
1. Central database software – multi-agency sharing of
information
2. Side scan sonar for water searches
a) Locates drowning victims
b) More time efficient
c) Challenge: cannot detect smaller objects
3. Forensic comparison examinations
a) High-resolution cameras and light sources to improve
results
b) Documents comparison process
4. Aviation technology
a) Low cost (as opposed to helicopters)
b) Safe alternative
c) Light supporting aircraft
d) Unmanned aircraft systems
(1) Operated via remote control
(2) Small systems – 5 pounds or less
(3) Flies to altitudes of 500-1500 feet
(4) Easy to fly
(5) Camera mounted to search for missing children/elderly
and/or suspects
5. Social media
a) Search engines
(1) To look up individuals, phone numbers (cell and
landlines), and addresses
(2) To upload images to search for likenesses
(3) To look up names of neighbors
b) Microblogs
(1) One-way feed of information
(2) Limited number of characters
(3) Online journals/diaries
C. Protection
1. Body-Worn Cameras
a) Reduces agency liability and citizen complaints
b) Provides departmental transparency to citizens
c) Very mobile and easy to attach
d) Can integrate with in-car video systems
e) Less expensive option for agencies without in-car video
systems
f) Challenge: battery life
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2. Automobile pursuit systems
a) Avoids dangerous pursuits
b) Increases officer and public safety
D. Prosecution
1. Social Media
a) Use as evidence
b) Challenge: Courts divided on reasonable expectation of
privacy
2. Forensic Comparison Examinations
a) Meets the criteria of the Daubert standard in court
3. Body-Worn Cameras
a) Provides evidence in court
IV. Developing Technologies (This is not an exclusive list and usually
technologies are developed initially by the military)
A. Prevention
1. Facial-recognition software
a) Compares images with previously arrested or convicted
persons
b) Merged with driver’s license and identification systems
2. Enhanced GIS capabilities
a) Crime analysis regarding previous activity or time periods
to predict future activity
b) Tracking vehicles and personnel
3. Aviation technology
a) Unmanned drones
(1) Border protection
(2) Drug enforcement agencies
(3) Surveillance
(4) Missions conducted without harm to humans
(5) High-quality images/videos
(6) Track targets
4. Vehicle camera systems and body-worn cameras
a) Automatic license plate recognition
b) Facial-recognition software
c) Voice analysis system
d) Follow suspects’ movements
B. Investigation
1. Facial-recognition systems (see above)
2. Fingerprint technology
a) Contactless fingerprinting
b) Scans fingerprints with no pressure
c) Does not required trained operators
d) Faster to produce
e) Natural state of the fingerprint, thus eliminating
inconsistencies in collection
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3. Databases
a) Shoeprint database
b) Forensic mapping database
c) Acoustic gunshot detection database
C. Protection
1. Enhanced 911 services (Next Generation 911)
a) Public’s ability to send texts, pictures, and/or video through
the 911 system
b) Will decrease response time
c) Will increase productivity
2. Enhanced satellite images software – overlays onto satellite
images of criminals’ residences and high-risk areas
3. Meta-material cloaking
a) Holographic discs that camouflage into the environment
b) Developing shape-changing liquids
4. Metabolic supplements
a) Oral consumption or injections
b) Tailors to specific needs (i.e. eating, rest, energy,
endurance) of officer
5. Weapons
a) Lethal
(1) Personalization of handgun whereby only authorized
user can fire
(2) Combination weapons with high capacity, stacked
ammunition; programmable, rapid, and quickly
reloadable ammunition (i.e. 24,000 grenade rounds per
minute launched via internet connection)
b) Non-lethal – used for riot control and defense of high-risk
areas
(1) Sound waves – projection of high decibel sound waves
causing persons to move
(2) Smells – significant odors that induce vomiting, inability
to focus, and dulling of other senses; produces a
desire to move from the area
(3) Light – high-intensity focus that creates confusion
(4) Heat – microwaves sent to heat up the targeted areas;
painful and uncomfortable; incapacitates target
6. Body Armor
a) Material not only protects from bullet and knife penetration,
but also protects from blunt trauma force
b) Production of lightweight body armor with layers of ballistic
material and ceramic composites, which gives three times
the protection
c) Power assisted/hydraulic suit of armor – senses the
direction of movement; prevents muscle strain; enhances
strength, speed, and endurance
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7. Wearable computer with an optical head-mounted display
a) Records and analyzes everything seen by the officer
b) Has a built-in screen equipped with information about area
and facial recognition system
D. Prosecution
1. Fingerprint technology
a) Higher-quality images
b) No need for expert witness testimony verifying suspect’s
print
2. Enhanced 911 services
a) Additional real-time evidence accumulation
V.
Continuing Education
A. Laws change
1. Every two years the state legislature makes new laws and
changes old ones
2. It is important for officers to stay current on these new laws
because they impact the way that an officer does his or her job
3. Failure to stay current on new laws through continuing
education could result in violations of civil rights, criminal
penalties, or job loss
B. Well-rounded
1. Officers who attend continuing education (in-service) training
are better qualified to do their jobs
2. Maintaining a student’s perspective helps officers to better
relate to those they serve
3. Officers stay current on new trends and methods for
investigating and performing their job duties, leaving less for
the investigators to do after the report has been taken
4. Being better educated reflects in court, as well as in everything
an officer does
C. Higher pay
1. Many departments have higher pay scales for officers with a
college education, or intermediate, advanced, or master level
Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and
Education (TCLEOSE) certifications
D. Promotion
1. Most departments require a certain education or certification
level in order to promote to higher ranks within the department
E. Keep current
1. Continuing education keeps officers up-to-date on emerging
technologies
Activities
1. Research Presentation – Have students conduct research to compare
and contrast the tools used by law enforcement from differing eras.
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Students will present their information in a computer-based
presentation. Use the Research Rubric and/or the Presentation Rubric
for assessment.
2. Mock Policies and Procedures – In groups, have the students create
mock policies and procedures for a specific use of new technology for
an imaginary agency. Have the students include the training
requirements, the use in the field, the legal considerations (i.e. privacy
issues), and the maintenance responsibilities of the equipment. Use the
Cooperative Teams Rubric for assessment.
3. “It Can Happen Here” Video Activity – Watch the NLECTC’s video, “It
Can Happen Here”, https://www.justnet.org/school_safety.html (57:49
minutes). (Note: This video is about the use of technology to make
schools safer using tragedies such as the Columbine and Platte Canyon
High School shootings as examples.) Have the students discuss the
critical stages of school safety planning: mitigation and prevention,
preparedness, response, and recovery and remediation. Topics should
include the pros and cons of utilizing the emerging technologies to keep
our schools safe. Use Discussion Rubric for assessment.
Assessments
Emerging Technologies Quiz and Key
Cooperative Teams Rubric
Discussion Rubric
Individual Work Rubric
Presentation Rubric
Research Rubric
Writing Rubric
Materials
Emerging Technologies computer-based presentation
Computers with Internet Access
Resources
Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education
(TCLEOSE)
http://www.policechiefmagazine.org/magazine/index.cfm?article_id=1527&f
useaction=display&issue_id=62008
http://www.nena.org/?NG911_Project
http://www.its.dot.gov/ng911/
https://www.justnet.org/
https://www.justnet.org/pdf/SharingResources_508.pdf
https://www.justnet.org/pdf/Technology-Decision-Tool.pdf
https://www.justnet.org/school_safety.html
Do an Internet search for the following:
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


Listverse top 10 future law enforcement technologies
Top Law Enforcement Officials to Convene Over Latest in Police
Technology
Emerging technologies in law enforcement: their impact on officer
response and efficiency
Accommodations for Learning Differences
For reinforcement, have the students research, on the internet, some of the
technologies discussed to see what is available for law enforcement or
military officers. Use the Research Rubric and/or the Individual Work Rubric
for assessment.
For enrichment, have the students contact a law enforcement agency that
has implemented a newer form of technology. Have the students interview
an officer about that particular technology. Have the students write a report
of the interview, including the information regarding the technology. Use the
Writing Rubric for assessment.
State Education Standards
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Career and Technical Education
§130.294. Law Enforcement II (One to Two Credits).
(19) The student explores new and emerging technologies in law
enforcement. The student is expected to:
(A) research new technologies as used in law enforcement such as
robots to diffuse potential explosives; and
(B) explain the importance of continuing education in law enforcement.
College and Career Readiness Standards
Cross-Disciplinary Standards
II. Foundational Skills
E. Technology
1. Use technology to gather information.
2. Use technology to organize, manage, and analyze information.
3. Use technology to communicate and display findings in a clear
and coherent manner.
4. Use technology appropriately.
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Name:
Date:
_________
Emerging Technologies Quiz
1. _____Which one of the following is not a financial consideration that agencies should
contemplate when deciding whether to purchase new technology?
A. Service and maintenance costs
B. Wireless capabilities
C. Budget of agency
D. Cost savings
2. _____Which of the following is an operational need for an agency to consider when
purchasing a new technology?
A. Does the technology increase officer efficiency and effectiveness
B. Does the technology pass the Daubert standard
C. Are citizens more confident in the agency
D. Will the technology benefit the court system
3. _____Which of the following technologies warns a perpetrator that a picture is being
captured?
A. License tag reader
B. Grocery store surveillance
C. Graffiti camera
D. Traffic light
4. _____Report-writing from the field using a mobile computer system does which of the
following?
A. Increases an officer’s availability
B. Increases the amount of paperwork
C. Reduces the amount of paperwork
D. Both A and C
5. _____Hair, fibers, and body fluids can be detected through the use of which of the
following?
A. Crime lights
B. Record systems
C. Body-worn camera
D. None of the above
6. _____Global Positioning Systems can do which of the following?
A. Automatically read the license plate number of a suspect’s vehicle
B. Look up a suspect’s criminal record
C. Document the comparison process
D. Track the location of police units
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7. _____A _____________________ captures evidence that can be used as a silent
witness in court.
A. Global positioning system (GPS)
B. Sound wave system
C. In-car video system
D. Stun gun
8. _____A real-time surveillance video system is no good without which of the following?
A. A cell phone for communication
B. Effective adhesive on the tag
C. A live video monitoring center
D. A GPS
9. _____Robots can be used to do which of the following?
A. Conduct field report-writing
B. Take real-time videos in high risk areas
C. Defuse bombs
D. Both B and C
10. _____Which of the following is not a challenge for automobile pursuit systems?
A. Real-time video monitoring
B. Ineffective adhesive on tag
C. Terrain-related misses
D. Operator error
11. _____Which of the following is a challenge for a side scanner sonar device?
A. It takes a longer amount of time
B. It cannot detect a non-living being
C. It cannot detect larger objects
D. It cannot detect smaller objects
12. _____Social media technologies can be used for which of the following?
A. Prosecution
B. Arrests
C. Corrections
D. Vehicle tagging
13. _____Body-worn cameras can do/be which of the following?
A. Increase an agency’s liability
B. Be difficult to move from one location to another
C. Exonerate a falsely accused officer
D. Only be used with k-9 units
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14. _____Unmanned drones can be used for which of the following?
A. To track suspects
B. Drug surveillance
C. Border patrols
D. All of the above
15. _____Continuing education is important to the law enforcement officer in order to do
which of the following?
A. Commit violations of the law
B. Keep up with emerging technologies in the field
C. Remain untrained in equipment use
D. Decrease annual pay
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Emerging Technologies Quiz Key
1. B
2. A
3. C
4. D
5. A
6. D
7. C
8. C
9. D
10. A
11. D
12. A
13. C
14. D
15. B
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Name: ____________________________________
Date:_____________________________
Cooperative Teams Rubric
Objectives
4 pts.
Excellent
3 pts.
Good
2 pts. Needs Some
Improvement
1 pt. Needs Much
Improvement
Participates in group discussions
Encourages others to join the
conversation
Maintains the pace of the discussion
to achieve goals
Shares ideas and thoughts
Offers constructive criticism and
recommendations
Credits others for their contributions
and ideas
Empathizes with others
Requests input from others to reach
an agreement
Expresses ideas and thoughts
Total Points (36 pts.)
Comments:
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
N/A
Pts.
Name_______________________________________
Date_______________________________
Discussion Rubric
Objectives
4 pts.
Excellent
3 pts.
Good
2 pts. Needs Some
Improvement
Participates in group discussion
Encourages others to join the
conversation
Keeps the discussion progressing
to achieve goals
Shares thoughts actively while
offering helpful recommendations to
others
Gives credit to others for their ideas
Respects the opinions of others
Involves others by asking questions
or requesting input
Expresses thoughts and ideas
clearly and effectively
Total Points (32 pts.)
Comments:
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
1 pt. Needs Much
Improvement
N/A
Pts.
Name______________________________________
Date_______________________________________
Individual Work Rubric
4 pts.
Excellent
Objectives
3 pts.
Good
2 pts. Needs Some
Improvement
Follows directions
Student completed the work as directed,
following the directions given, in order and to the
level of quality indicated
Time management
Student used time wisely and remained on task
100% of the time
Organization
Student kept notes and materials in a neat,
legible, and organized manner. Information was
readily retrieved
Evidence of learning
Student documented information in his or her
own words and can accurately answer questions
related to the information retrieved
*Research/Gathering information (if relevant)
Student used a variety of methods and sources
to gather information. Student took notes while
gathering information
Total Points (20 pts.)
Comments:
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
1 pt. Needs Much
Improvement
N/A
Pts.
Name:____________________________________
Date:_____________________________
Presentation Rubric
4 pts.
Excellent
Objectives
3 pts.
Good
2 pts. Needs Some
Improvement
Topic/Content
 Topic discussed completely and in-depth
 Includes properly cited sources (if used)
Creativity/Neatness
 Integrates a variety of multimedia effects to
create a professional presentation (transition
and graphics) or appropriate visual aid used
 Title slide, table of contents, bibliography are
included, using acceptable format
Mechanics
 Grammar, spelling, punctuation, and
capitalization are correct
 Image and font size are legible to the entire
audience
Oral Presentation
 Communicates with enthusiasm and eye
contact
 Voice delivery and projection are dynamic
and audible
Audience Interaction
 Presentation holds audience’s attention and
relates a clear message
 Clearly and effectively communicates the
content throughout the presentation
Total Points (20 pts.)
Comments:
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1 pt. Needs Much
Improvement
N/A
Pts.
Name______________________________________
Date_______________________________________
Research Rubric
4 pts.
Excellent
Objectives
3 pts.
Good
2 pts. Needs Some
Improvement
Question/goal
Student identified and communicated a question
or goal of the research
Research/Gathering information (if relevant)
Student used a variety of methods and sources
to gather information. Student took notes while
gathering information
Conclusion/Summary
Student drew insightful conclusions and
observations from the information gathered.
Information is organized in a logical manner
Communication
Student communicated the information gathered
and summary or conclusions persuasively.
Student demonstrated skill in the use of media
used to communicate the results of research
Reflection
Student reflected on the importance of the
research and its potential application
Total Points (20 pts.)
Comments:
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1 pt. Needs Much
Improvement
N/A
Pts.
Name:____________________________________
Date:_____________________________
Writing Rubric
4 pts.
Excellent
Objectives
3 pts.
Good
2 pts. Needs Some
Improvement
1 pt. Needs Much
Improvement
The writing has all required parts from
introduction to conclusion in smooth
transition.
The writing is interesting, supportive,
and complete.
The writing demonstrates that the
writer comprehends the writing
process.
Accurate spelling, grammar, and
punctuation
The content of paragraphs
emphasizes appropriate points.
The writer shows an understanding of
sentence structure, paragraphing, and
punctuation.
All sources and references are clearly
and accurately documented.
Total Points (28 pts.)
Comments:
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N/A
Pts.