Issue
Facial recognition software and drone technology will change the way police work is done in the future; therefore it is essential for the Blood Tribe Police Service (BTPS) to develop plans to invest in these technologies so that BTPS will remain relevant, have the ability to investigate crimes, and provide the same level of service that other Canadians receive from their police service.
Background
Technology in the future will give police new ways to track suspects and solve crimes. Police services are already using technology to perform surveillance and help solve crimes. Facial Recognition software is relatively new but is already used across the USA. Databases in the USA that store images of people’s faces now contain over half of all American adults (Garvie, Bedoya, & Frankle, 2016). With the advances in technology, it is becoming less expensive for police services to maintain cameras and monitor large areas with the assistance of drones (Kahn, 2018). Drones have been purchased by rural police services and are utilized in investigations and surveillance (Seewer , 2018). In order for Police Services like BTPS to remain relevant and have the ability to solve crimes, BTPS must invest in this new technology (LeBeuf, 2001). As the needs and capabilities of BTPS are very different from a large organization, BTPS should focus on investing in drones and facial recognition technology. As facial recognition technology becomes more advanced and reliable, it will be a tool that is used as much if not more than DNA or Fingerprint analysis to help solve crimes (Fatih & Bekir, 2015). With drone technology becoming more affordable it will allow police to conduct surveillance for investigation such as drug trafficking (Fatih & Bekir, 2015). Drone technology will also be capable of providing real-time information to front line officers who are responding to high priority calls; this increases safety for both officers and the community (Engberts & Gillissen, 2016).
Current Position
Strengths
The front-line members of the Blood Tribe Police Service are very junior. This junior workforce fosters a working environment that has the front-line members being dedicated and having the ability to adapt to change quickly. As many of these young police officers have grown up with technology, they joined the police service with technical skills and training that the BTPS can utilize.
Weaknesses
Due to the funding model that BTPS is funded under, it is difficult for BTPS to invest in new technology and equipment. This funding model creates budget restrictions preventing BTPS from investing in new technology without supplementary funding from the government. As the police service is funded as a program, supplementary funding opportunities are limited.
Opportunities
The government of Canada has indicated that they want to see First Nation Police Services move towards essential service funding. This would provide stability for stand-alone First Nation Police Services and helps with the planning and investment in infrastructure and technology.
Threats
As the funding for BTPS is still program funding, there is always a threat the program could end if the priorities and policies of the Federal and Provincial government change. Negotiations for the Policing agreement are also a threat that the service must navigate on almost a yearly basis. Getting the Federal, Provincial, and First Nation together to have meaningful negotiations is difficult due to change in government at all levels. This current funding model requires BTPS to be very strategic in investing and planning for the future.
Recommendations
In order to remain relevant in policing in Canada and have the ability to investigate crimes, BTPS must dedicate resources to research and the development of an implementation plan for new technology. Although BTPS may not be able to invest in this technology at this time, the development of a plan will help BTPS in negotiations for a new policing agreement. Unfortunately, resources for this research and plan will have to come from frontline response officers which ultimately affects the service being provided to the community. For the police service to continue and provide a level of service that is comparable to other communities in Canada, planning and research must be completed as soon as possible.
References
Engberts, B., & Gillissen, E. (2016). The Future of Drone Use. The Hague, 93-113.
Fatih, T., & Bekir, C. (2015). Police Use of Technology to Fight Against Crime . European Scientific Journal, 286-296.
Garvie, C., Bedoya, A., & Frankle, J. (2016). The Perpetual Line-up Unregulated Police Face Recognition in America. Georgetown: Center on Privacy & Technology at Georgetown Law.
Kahn, M. (2018). Cost-Effective Drone Solutions Can Help Police Save Lives. Police law Enforcement Solutions .
LeBeuf, M.-E. (2001). Organized Crime and Cybercrime Criminal Investigations and Intelligence on the Cutting Edge. Ottawa: Canadian Police College .
Seewer , J. (2018, May 28th). Law enforcement agencies turning to drones to fight crime. The Washington Post . Washington , USA: Washington Post .
