Exploring Public Support for Law Enforcement Technologies: The Role of Victimization and Moderating Factors

• In Event: Technology, Transparency, and Public Trust

Abstract

The adoption of law enforcement technologies, including Real-Time Crime Centers (RTCCs), has become increasingly important for improving public safety. However, understanding public support for these technologies is crucial for their effective implementation. This study examines factors influencing support for law enforcement technologies, focusing primarily on victimization as a predictor, as crime victims may be more likely to support policing technologies as a means of enhancing public safety. Additionally, we explore whether the effect of victimization on support for law enforcement technology is moderated by several potential factors, including demographic characteristics, attitudes toward the police, fear of crime, and neighborhood measures such as moral cynicism, disadvantage, and crime levels. Data were collected through a community survey conducted in Tallahassee, FL, where participants provided information about their experiences with crime, perceptions of law enforcement, attitudes toward technological innovations in policing, and neighborhood context. The findings provide valuable insights into how victimization, along with key moderating factors, influences public support for law enforcement technologies. These findings will help scholars and practitioners identify the key drivers of support, as well as develop strategies to increase community acceptance and enhance crime prevention efforts.

Authors

• Brian J. Stults, Florida State University

• Julie Brancale, Florida State University

• Jonathan Caswell, Florida State University