Factors Influencing Law Enforcement Personnel Use of Technology from Real-Time Crime Centers

• In Event: Police Training: Technology and Future Practice

Abstract

Real-Time Crime Centers (RTCCs) integrate a wide range of technologies, from older systems like closed-circuit television cameras to modern tools like drones. While the number of RTCCs has grown in recent years, and new innovations in law enforcement technology continue to emerge, little is known about how these technologies are actually utilized within agencies. Even though many agencies possess various technological tools, this does not necessarily mean these resources are being widely used by officers. Based on a 2024 survey of personnel in the participating law enforcement agencies of the Capital Region Real Time Crime Center (CRRTCC) in Tallahassee, Florida, this paper investigates factors that predict officers’ use of the resources available in the CRRTCC. Specifically, it explores the roles of demographic factors, experience, comfort with technology, recency of technology, and whether the technology is used directly or indirectly by officers. The findings will provide valuable insights into the predictors of technology utilization in RTCCs, helping to identify barriers and facilitators of technology adoption. These results will be useful for law enforcement agencies looking to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of their RTCCs by targeting key factors that may influence the use of new technologies among officers.

Authors

• Jonathan Caswell, Florida State University

• Julie Brancale, Florida State University

• Brian J. Stults, Florida State University