The use of technology can improve policing practices and build community trust and legitimacy, but its implementation must be built on a defined policy framework with its purposes and goals clearly delineated. Implementing new technologies can give police departments an opportunity to fully engage and educate communities in a dialogue about their expectations for transparency, accountability, and privacy.
Law enforcement agencies and leaders need to be able to identify, assess, and evaluate new technology for adoption and do so in ways that improve their effectiveness, efficiency, and evolution without infringing on individual rights. The implementation of technology should be designed considering local needs and aligned with national standards. The adoption of model policies and best practices for technology-based community engagement that increases community trust and access should be a part of this effort.
Examples of the ways the police department demonstrates best practices in technology and social media:
- The department uses a variety of tools to communicate with the public including Facebook, Instagram, X, Code Red emergency notification system, and soon to be email updates from our new website.
- Police reports can be filed online. Officers can reach out to the reporting party via email or phone if they are unable to come into the police station.
- Anonymous tips can be provided on our Tip411 platform. Detectives can communicate with anonymous parties through the app, ensuring confidentiality.
- The department has a full-time dispatch center at the police station to direct and coordinate resources from police, fire and EMS that improves response times, outcomes, and service.
- Community members can submit feedback, compliments, and complaints both in person at the police department and online through the department’s webpage.
- The department uses a variety of technology platforms to train and improve the outcomes for both officers and the public during critical incidents.
- The department complies with the Massachusetts Records Request Law and provides timely distribution of information requests.
- Use-of-force data is submitted to the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standard & Training (POST) Commission, which is then forwarded to the FBI’s National Use-of-Force Data Collection program. With this data, the FBI creates reports to provide insight into an aggregate view of use-of-force incidents, including circumstances, subjects, and officers involved.