The Benefits of Police Field Mobile Computing Realized by Non-Patrol Sections of a Police Department

Abstract

This research examines the effectives of field mobile computing in law enforcement through the theory of ‘Task-Technology Fit’. Field mobile computing has been at the forefront of police technology implementations throughout the United States for the past several years. This study measures how these systems benefit investigators, administrators and records personnel. It also measures the effectiveness of field mobile computing as implemented in a medium-sized south-west police department. We found statistical support indicating that inquiries to local, state and national criminal information databases increased with the implementation of mobile computing. Administrators, detectives and records personnel all experienced statistically significant improvements in the tasks they performed, directly resulting from the implementation of mobile computing.