A technological revolution is changing the way police officers work, how agencies do business and the relationship dynamics of community-police interaction.  Police agencies today can acquire technologies such as electronic ticket writers that interface with traffic court systems, license plates recognition systems, in car video camera systems with wireless downloading capabilities, body-worn camera systems with technology that allows hands-free activation, social network and link analysis platforms and unmanned aerial vehicles.  Some agencies have acquired and introduced violent crime fighting technology such as ATF NIBIN machines, gun crime intel centers, and real time crime centers. More thoughtful agencies create partnerships with other local and federal agencies and commission crime analysis and technology assessments before making major technology purchases. The Bowman Group assists with crime analysis and technology assessments, gap analyses, technology transfers and uptake. 

​​

While much attention is being devoted to police specific tools, The Bowman Group is working with agencies to prepare for the imminent impact of automated driverless vehicles. Driverless cars, trucks and buses could reduce automobile accidents by 90 percent. This raises questions about the utility of today's red light signals or even speed limit signs and traffic enforcement units. Will police cars be deployed without a driver? Will police cars dispatched to 911 call locations be routed there using 

algorithms that select the fastest route based on traffic speed and flow? How should the police use unmanned aerial vehicles as force multipliers?

 

Dr. Bowman's agency was the first US police department located in an area adjacent to an international airport with highly dense Class B airspace to receive an FAA Certificate of Authorization to fly an unmanned vehicle. The Bowman Group have some thoughts and valuable technical advice on these technology areas.