Tech Brew Ride Home Technology and Policing with Matt Stroud, Author of the Book Thin Blue Lie
Mar 17, 2019
In this engaging discussion, Matt Stroud, author of "Thin Blue Lie: The Failure of High-Tech Policing," sheds light on the surprising history of technology in law enforcement. He argues that simply introducing technology doesn’t magically solve policing issues and can lead to serious unintended consequences. Stroud critiques the effectiveness of tools like tasers and highlights the ethical concerns surrounding surveillance technologies. The conversation emphasizes that technology must work hand in hand with human judgment to enhance policing practices.
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Recent Rise of Tech in Policing
- Policing has not historically been technologically driven.
- The "police industrial complex" is a recent development, with spending increasing dramatically from $16 billion to $126 billion between 1981 and 2012.
Taser: A Failed Tech Solution?
- The Taser was introduced as a "non-lethal" solution to police shootings.
- Studies show, however, that Tasers haven't reduced firearm use and have sometimes resulted in fatalities.
CompStat: A Simple Revolution
- CompStat, meaning "computer statistics," revolutionized policing.
- It involved plotting crimes on a map, a surprisingly simple yet innovative approach.
