Community policing a digitalized society

Session Submission Type: Pre-arranged Panel

Abstract

In an era of rapid digitalization, police forces worldwide are navigating the complexities of integrating technological advancements. In that respect, it is not only important to regularly reflect on how police use technology, but also what impact technology has on police operations and on the public. This panel aims to delve into the academic dimensions of this relationship, with a focus on understanding the implications of technology on community policing. We focus on how technology fundamentally reshapes community policing. Contributions in this panel answer the questions: (1) ‘‘How does technology mediate the relationship between the police and society?’, (2) ‘What are the ethical and socio-political implications of these various technologies?’,(3) ‘What are the views and perceptions of police officers towards the adoption of technologies?’

Subtopic

• Topic 5: Social Control and Criminal Justice / Policing and Law enforcement (Policing WG)

Chair

• Jasper De Paepe, Leiden University & Ghent University

Individual Presentations

• The dynamics of technology and community policing - Jasper De Paepe, Leiden University & Ghent University; Marleen Easton, Universiteit Gent

• Social Media Practices by Police Football Units in England and Wales - Liam Ralph, Northumbria University; Paul Robinson, Northumbria University; Adam Aitken, University of Salford

• “The computer made me do it”: A consideration of technology as an actor in police-citizen encounters - Megan O'Neill, University of Dundee; Estelle Clayton, Edinburgh Napier University; Will Andrews, Keele University; Aston Liz, Edinburgh Napier University; Helen Wells, Keele University; Ben Bradford, University College London

• The police role in a changing society - Dorian Schaap, Radboud University Nijmegen