Bringing Police and Community Closer By Using Smartphone Applications: The Future is Already Here

• In Event: Police Use of Social Media and Internet Technology to Engage the Public

Abstract

As the use of technologies expands into all venues of life, integration of technology into Police-Community interactions presents a new challenge to police leaders. This paper analyzes the pros and cons of inspiring citizens’ participation with the local law enforcement through introduction of various smartphone apps intended to speed up and enhance the communication process between the police and its public. The Greek National Police, together with its European partners, embarked on a multi-years research development to identify the effectiveness of such integration. The authors are active participants in this project that serves as a template for other similar initiatives aimed at buying hearts and minds of the public.

Authors

• Nikolaos Petropoulos, John Jay College of Criminal Justice / CUNY Graduate Center

• Maria Haberfeld, John Jay College of Criminal Justice