The Use and Impact of Technology on Police Response and Investigative Outcomes

• In Event: The Effectiveness of Real Time Crime Centers

Abstract

Despite the rapid growth of real-time crime centers, little research exists to assess their effects on police response and investigations. We examine data from the Hartford Police Department’s Capital City Command Center (C4) to explore technology usage and impacts on incident outcomes. First, we descriptively examine the incident types most often aided by C4 tools, as well as subsequent analytical and investigative actions taken. Second, we explore how their technological tools impact case outcomes and time to clearance. Mean differences and multivariate analyses are conducted to assess case outcomes for assault, burglary, larceny, robbery, and shots fired incidents. Propensity score matching is then used to compare case outcomes for experimental incidents receiving C4 assistance versus control incidents. Our findings add to a growing body of research exploring the investigative benefits of the rapidly expanding range of technological tools used by law enforcement. We also highlight the need for future research to explore the role that police technology may play in further enhancing efficiency, effectiveness, and legitimacy.

Authors

• Lisa Barao, Westfield State University

• Christopher Mastroianni, Hartford Police Department