Police Field Mobile Computing: Applying the Theory of Task-Technology Fit

Abstract

This research examines the effectiveness 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 well these systems match tasks the field officers must perform and measures the effectiveness of field mobile computing as implemented in a medium-sized Southwestern police department. The authors found statistical support indicating that inquiries to local, state, and national criminal information databases increased with the implementation of mobile computing. The authors also found that field officers recognize the potential benefits mobile computing affords them and that the amount of time required for completing reports increased with the implementation of field mobile computing. Last, administrators, detectives, and records personnel all experienced statistically significant improvements in the tasks they performed, directly resulting from the implementation of mobile computing.

Keywords

mobile computing field officer productivity police computing

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