I have been In law enforcement for over 24 years and have experienced the change in technology over the years. I was there when everything was done with paper. Everything from dispatch logs time stamped to a investigators cases being in a log book with check boxes for cleared. Then came the advent of the computer, and programs for management of cases, radio calls and statistics. In the beginning it was rejected because of fear of change. The cell phone came along and it wieghed 5 pounds or more and was called the brick. A huge battery pack went along with it. We learned technology, lived it and now cant live without it.
I have learned more about the changes that I have endured and why from my class. I have also learned about many things i didnt know about. I didnt realize there was actual terms for some things such as fragmentation. I have experienced it, but never realized that fragmentation was an actual term and/or problem. I have come to the understanding of what causes it and hopefully can do something for my small agency to help it.
In law enforcement we are all on the same team and should be on the same wavelength. There should be technology in order to overcome the differences in the practice of law enforcement. Training to help us do the job the same and in the technology age better communications so we can share and be more effective. A team should play like a team to be more productive and effective.
