Tori Bodine

Mathematics and Statistics

Mentor: Dr. Jeannie Johnson

Implications of Emerging Technologies for Law Enforcement and its Impact on Public Trust

Current technological development is progressing at an exponential rate and is matched only by the growing vulnerabilities and security concerns surrounding this technology and its use. As a result, law enforcement organizations are currently struggling against a rising wave of unique technology and the numerous societal implications that follow such developments. In a general sense, my research focuses on highlighting what some of these emerging technologies are, and what implications they hold for law enforcement and their relationship with the general population. Specifically, I want to look at the possible impact on public trust that uses of new technology (like facial recognition software and bodycams) may cause, positive and negative; and how law enforcement might constructively respond to these challenges. In a related caveat, what security risks do these technologies pose to law enforcement as an organization (potential hacking of body cams, use of drones to aid criminal activity etc.)? In response to this analysis, I propose certain policy recommendations which may prove useful to law enforcement and legislators as they consider how to move forward with this issue.