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Policing in an Era of Technological Innovation

Tracks
Track 2
Wednesday, July 10, 2024
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
TL329 (Learning & Teaching)

Speaker

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Mr Thompho Tshivhase
Lecturer
University Of Fort Hare

Unmasking the Catalysts: Exploring the Key Factors behind Violent Crimes Targeting SAPS Public Order Policing

Abstract

Introduction: The South African Police Service's (SAPS) Public Order Policing (POP) unit plays a crucial role in maintaining public order during protests and other events. However, recent years have witnessed a surge in violent crimes targeting the POP unit, resulting in severe consequences for both the officers and the wider society. This research article investigates the factors contributing to violent crimes against the SAPS Public Order Policing unit, incorporating perspectives .
Methodology: This study used criminological theories to explain the victimisation of Public Order Police officials while on and off duty. The rational theory and deferential risk model of victimisation were both useful and applicable in understanding and explaining how and why Public Order Police officials became victims of crime. This paper employed a Qualitative approach; as a result, the collection, analyses, organisation of data and drawing of interpretations were done employing qualitative methods.
Results: The findings highlight issues surrounding the use of force by police officials, particularly in volatile situations. Despite policies emphasising de-escalation, officers' fear and frustration sometimes result in the misuse of force or firearms. This has led to violent crimes against both police officials and civilians, including those with mental health issues. Participants stressed the need for greater accountability and improved training to handle challenging situations. They also expressed concerns about police bullying and intimidation tactics eroding trust within communities. Significant gaps in intelligence and effective policing within the SAPS, specifically within the POP unit, were revealed as potential catalysts.  
Participants expressed deep concerns about the consequences, including increased criminal activity and victimisation of police officials. The professionalism and conduct of the SAPS POP unit also came under scrutiny. Issues related to emotional intelligence, trigger-happy behaviours, and the general attitude of some officers toward the public were highlighted.

Conclusion/- and Recommendations: The proposed solution involves allocating additional resources, enhancing training, and establishing effective information-sharing systems within the SAPS intelligence structures. Strengthening intelligence capabilities and dedicated investigation teams were deemed essential to address the existing mistrust in police services. Furthermore, this article emphasises comprehensive training on the use of force aligned with overarching principles and the inclusion of independent investigators to examine police conduct.

Keywords: South African Police Service, Public Order Policing, Violent Crimes, Political Interference, Police-Community Relations, Use of Force, Intelligence Capabilities, Training, Accountability, Policing Professionalism
Dr. Magic Wade
Associate Professor
University Of Illinois Springfield

Artificial Eyes in the Sky and Ears to the Ground? Public Attitudes Toward Police Use of Surveillance Technology to Reduce Firearm Violence

Abstract

Mass public shootings and community firearm violence are a concern for many Americans, especially those living in urban areas that experienced historic increases in firearm homicides and assaults surrounding the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic. Consequently, local governments and law enforcement are weighing various social, technological, and policy solutions to reduce gun crime. As surveillance technology becomes increasingly sophisticated and ubiquitous, understanding the conditions under which citizens support its expansion is important. This paper therefore examines the relationship between individual and community-level characteristics and support for law enforcement’s use of surveillance technology like aerial drones, facial recognition software, acoustic gunshot detection, closed-circuit television cameras (CCTV), and automated license plate reader cameras (ALPRs). Specifically, I explore whether support for a local police department’s adoption of certain technology as part of a gun violence reduction initiative funded by a hypothetical public safety grant program is related to demographics like age, partisanship, race/ethnicity, and gender, as well as levels of violence and trust of police in one’s community. I find that despite the ACLU, left-leaning media outlets, and progressive think tanks raising alarms about the dangers and/or ineffectiveness of surveillance technology, Democrats and Republicans tended to support police using most forms to reduce gun violence. For instance, Shot Spotter is broadly popular, although less so among lower-income and Black Illinoisans. Additionally, those with the lowest individual risk of firearm violence victimization were often the most supportive of all forms of surveillance, i.e., older, wealthier, and more educated Illinoisans. My findings suggest that beyond partisanship and individual risk of victimization, concerns about being targeted and/or skepticism about its effectiveness, especially among those with literal skin in the game, may be key aspects of attitude formation toward expanding surveillance technology to reduce firearm violence.
Ajay Sandhu
Associate Professor

Police operation of body cameras involves decisions about when, what and how to record. I offer the theatrical concept of police officers as filmmakers.

Abstract

The impact of body worn cameras on policing will depend on multiple factors such as effective training, and high-quality technological design.Among these factors, we argue, are police officer’s understanding and operation of body worn cameras. Operation involves user decisions about when to activate a body worn camera and where to direct its lens. With that in mind, we propose that police officers, especially when ineffectively regulated by policy, can be theoretically understood as filmmakers who determine the footage body worn cameras produce and the stories the technology can tell. In support of our
reconceptualization of police officers as filmmakers, we highlight two cinematographic decisions officers make as part of routine police work: the cutting decision and the camera-angle decision.
Ms Tyler Dadge
Phd Research Student
University Of Surrey

Policing Practice & Facial Recognition - Examination the integration of facial recognition into policing practice

Abstract

This abstract will explain what I plan to present at the British Society of Criminology Conference 2024 if accepted. I will present a chapter from my PhD thesis. For my PhD, I interviewed 21 people with experience and expertise in police use of facial recognition (FR). Participants came from a range of backgrounds, policing, academia, independent bodies, government agencies and civil liberty groups. These interviews were semi-structured and were thematically analysed. From this analysis, themes were identified and collated into a chapter for my thesis. This presentation will discuss one findings chapter, related to Police Practice and Facial Recognition.

This presentation will explore some of my findings in areas such as how FR affects perceptions of the police role, the expansion of police demand and how FR might be used to address this, issues surrounding decisions of proportionality, necessity and discretion, and where concerns around bias, both human and technological have arisen and what can be done to address these. It will also explore what participants perceive to come next in terms of the police use of FR.

Examining these themes, I will demonstrate how participants viewed the themes listed above, exploring how there are shared views and concerns. This presentation will not only provide insight into how the police use FR but it will also explore how FR has, and can continue to be integrated into policing while acknowledging some areas of improvement and concern.
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