According to the book description of Police Technophobia, "This
book endeavors to discover a new trait of police culture ─ technophobia ─ that I
have observed as a police officer and embarked upon this project to unearth its
raison deter. I have found that there are five main universal causes of police
fear of not using technology especially information and communication technology
(ICT). In the first place, cop culture has a pet aversion to the learning of new
skills and information sharing; secondly, ICT has led to the erosion of police
discretion and the idea of real police work; thirdly, information technology
has enhanced organizational accountability; fourthly, ICT has lead to the
civilianization/ pluralization of police work and lastly, ICT has created new
hierarchies and job structures.
Understanding of police technophobia is important for police leaders, police
reformists and other public safety professionals as it has wide range
operational and policy implications. The new security environment has redefined
policing as an information brokering service. And the post 9/11 and other
world counter terrorism scenarios has ushered in an era of multilateralization
of policing which means, inter alia, more computers, acceptance of more
civilians in the police departments, large number of fusion centers, across the
board accountability and establishment of output based budgeting regimes."
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