Law enforcement is now able to communicate easier and faster with the use of
computers and other artificial intelligence devices. Since 1979, police officers have had
computers in their vehicles, which allows them to search databases. With technology rapidly
evolving, police officers have instant access to dispatchers, police records, and other critical
data. This allows for the officers to communicate information quickly and efficiently. The
advancement of technology also enhances safety, response times, how information is being
collected, and how information is being distributed between law enforcement organizations.
Law enforcement report writing is beginning to advance with the use of technology.
Many law enforcement agencies including the FBI are beginning to use artificial intelligence and
machine learning to collect information, write reports, and search for reports or information.
Law enforcement agencies are using less paper to complete reports and are using computers
and other devices such as tablets to complete reports. One such example is an auto-populated
forms allows access for all forms related to an officer's report. When using an auto-populated
form, the officer completes the face page of the report, and the information will be
automatically applied to the rest of the report. Aside from the convenience of using auto-
population in report writing, law enforcement can use technology to quickly search for and
complete the specific report form they need. These reports can easily be tied into records
management. This is a major advancement because it makes sharing the report between
officers, agencies, and the courts faster and enhances organization.
The advancement of
technology for recording devices has also been helpful with how reports are completed. Prior to
having these devices law enforcement had to rely on paper and mental notes to complete all
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