In response to the growing use of new and emerging technologies by law enforcement agencies, the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) has released a Technology Policy Framework to help law enforcement executives create policies that support responsible deployment and use.
Technology plays a critical and increasingly important role in the daily work of law enforcement officers in the field, equipping them with enforcement and investigative tools that have the potential to make them safer, better informed, and more effective and efficient. Many communities around the nation, however, have or are considering limiting or even rejecting the use of some technologies, including automated license plate readers, unmanned aerial systems, and video surveillance systems. To promote public confidence and address privacy concerns, the IACP believes it is imperative that law enforcement agencies create and enforce comprehensive agency policies governing the deployment and use of these technologies, and the data they provide. The Technology Policy Framework identifies nine universal principles to guide agencies in the development of effective policies, and suggests factors to incorporate when crafting those policies. The proper implementation and enforcement of policies can help ensure that agencies realize the unique value of technology in contemporary policing, while protecting the privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties of citizens.
