Technology-led Policing in the European Union: An Assessment

author Monica den Boer
journal Cahiers Politiestudies (ISSN: 1784-5300)
volume Jaargang 2011
issue 20. Technology-led policing
section Artikelen
date of publication Aug. 25, 2011
language English
pagina 41
abstract

European police cooperation is not merely a matter of laws, regulations and instruments. Instead, modern technologies leave deep traces on the way police services are organized and how they conduct their activities. Due to the fact that new technologies create a constant gaze to which citizens are exposed when they work and travel, the relationship between police and society has undergone structural change. This article tackles the dynamic interchange between national and international actors from the public and the private sector, who together create vast security complexes which are propelled by the new technological possibilities. Spatial surveillance, nanotechnology and biometric identification are just a few technologies which are actively stimulated and applied by the European Union. These technological developments are a prelude to the deeper transformations of policing, with pressing questions for accountability and legitimacy for national and international security agents alike.