Ethical Dilemma Woorksheet

Technology and Communication

This paper will compare two types of specialized databases, that of mobile data terminals and AFIS (or automated fingerprint identification systems). This paper will not only discuss the positive and negative effects of these new technologies on communication, but will also discuss why I might want to use these specialized technologies.

Mobile Data Terminals

The advent of the mobile data terminal (MDT) has been developing over a large number of years within the criminal justice system. Earlier models of the MDT did not have a significant capacity for data storage nor did it allow police officers to be as interactive as they are now. Earlier versions allowed officers to search state databases such as motor vehicle records and arrest warrants but there was minimal interaction with their Dispatch Center and other officers on patrol.

More advanced versions over the years of the MDT allow officers to be much more efficient in their operations. Current versions allow the dispatcher to share information from the main frame computer with the officers in the field. Such sharing of information would include mapping, crime analysis, specific information about past calls for service at addresses the officer is being sent to, the ability to share information in a secure environment with the dispatcher and other officers in the field, photographs of suspects or arrestees, and the downloading of various documents that will aid them in their investigations.

Positive Impacts of the MDT

Clearly the biggest advantage that the MDT has brought to police work is the improved efficiencies. With the newest versions of the MDT now mounted in a patrol car, the officer can have access to virtually every criminal justice database nationwide. This enables them to conduct data searches in order to clear criminal investigations, resulting in a safer community.

Officer safety is also enhanced because they can gather information on specific locations or about specific persons prior to ever entering a dangerous area. The sharing of this information from car to car expands the knowledge of all police officers on duty and makes sure everyone has the same information before responding to a call for service.

Negative Impacts of the MDT

It is clear many police agencies are relying too heavily on all types of technology. With the MDT in a police vehicle, the officer reduces his time out in the street to interact with the community. In addition, their reliance on the MDT to pass information between other officers and dispatchers shows a certain level of insulation. This is seen by inappropriate texting using the MDT and sharing of biased or prejudiced messaging about persons in the community they recently interacted with. A prime example of this was the rabid messaging following the Rodney King excessive force incident in Los Angeles where involved officers clearly enjoyed the inappropriate conduct and had no fear of exchanging highly offensive remarks using the MDT.

Another negative of the MDT is the expectation of the MDT to serve as a monitor for officer productivity. The impact on patrol officers is reflected in increased proactive work (i.e., traffic) and investigative work not typically the province of patrol, changes in communication patterns between line officers and dispatch and authority relationships with supervisors. The ways in which officers alter and shape their uses of MDT technology to preserve their autonomy, maintain solidarity with their co-workers and manage accountability is analyzed as a form of resistance to the potential of this technology to fragment work assignments and control information. (Meehan, 29)

AFIS

AFIS, or Automated Fingerprint Identification System, is a series of databases (one in each of the 50 states and a national dataset) where the fingerprints of all arrestees are housed. It should be noted that while this paper discusses AFIs within the American Criminal Justice system, it is important to note that most modern countries throughout the world have also adopted the AFIS system in one form or another as well as regional or international organizations such as Interpol.

AFIS is a tool which can assist crime investigators in many areas, such as:

Identifying crime scene suspects

Identifying "liars" (Suspects who give officers a false name)

Identifying deceased parties