Real-Time Crime Centers as Frontiers of Technology in Policing: Configurations, Functions, and Their Impact on Police Practices and Public Perceptions

Authors

Kimberly Sarah PrzeszlowskiFollow

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Major/Program

International Crime and Justice

First Advisor's Name

Rob T. Guerette

First Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Chair

Second Advisor's Name

Tim Goddard

Second Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Member

Third Advisor's Name

Sukumar Ganapati

Third Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Member

Fourth Advisor's Name

William Sousa

Fourth Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Member

Keywords

police technology, investigations, crime case clearance, public perceptions

Date of Defense

6-28-2023

Abstract

The purpose of this dissertation was to fill a considerable void in research pertaining to the implementation and use of real-time crime centers (RTCCs) through the application of numerous analytical strategies. For one, a key contribution of this dissertation was the development of an RTCC typology that drew upon theoretical perspectives deeply rooted in organizational change literature. Specifically, the typology classified existing RTCC models into three categories: traditional, community-based, and virtual. This approach provided a systematic framework for understanding the varied structures and functions of RTCCs nationally. Further, a quasi-experimental design was employed to determine the influence of the technologies housed within RTCCs on the case processing, case clearance and time to case clearance of homicides, aggravated assaults, robberies, and property crimes. Finally, an online experimental vignette study, using a randomized controlled trial (RCT) research design, was deployed to assess the determinants that impact the public’s approval of the use and deployment of technologies commonly procured by RTCC units. The overall findings revealed that the influence of RTCC technologies on the solvability of crime are highly dependent on the inherent case characteristics or solvability factors of each crime type considered. Further, it was evidenced that the approval of police technology is highly dependent on perceptions of police legitimacy and effectiveness, as well as the neutral broadcasting of messaging related to the utility of these technologies. Policy implications are heavily geared toward law enforcement agencies.

Identifier

FIDC011170

ORCID

0000-0003-3532-0277

Recommended Citation

Przeszlowski, Kimberly Sarah, "Real-Time Crime Centers as Frontiers of Technology in Policing: Configurations, Functions, and Their Impact on Police Practices and Public Perceptions" (2023). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 5399.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/5399