The Role of the Institution on the Adoption of Law Enforcement Technology

Presentation given at the American Society of Criminology Conference.

While law enforcement agencies perceive that technology increases their ability to complete their mission in the most efficient manner possible, this may not be the case in reality. Considering the potential expenses, potential danger, and lack of proven efficiency, it is surprising that these technologies are continuing to be adopted. Observing law enforcement agencies through the lens of institutional theory provides an explanation for the discrepancy between what would be expected and what has actually occurred. The purpose of this exploratory study is to examine the use of five technologies (records management systems, broadband networking with vehicle computers, long range acoustic devices, patrol vehicle cameras, and body-worn cameras) by county and municipal law enforcement agencies. The data was derived from a survey that was completed by 106 county and municipal law enforcement agencies located in five states within the United States. Statistical analysis was completed to measure the influences of organizational complexity, jurisdictional complexity, and funding on the decision to adopt these technologies.