Commentary on Smart Policing

Abstract

Police professionals and practitioners offer reflections and commentary on the articles describing the Smart Policing Initiatives in Boston, Glendale, Los Angeles, and Lowell. According to the authors, police collaborations are vital to decision making regarding police policies and practices, yet they are not “natural.” Police–researcher collaborations require a conscious effort by both parties to overcome traditional organizational cultures and barriers to collaboration, and to establish, nurture, and maintain trust. The commentators also note the importance of technology and sophisticated analytics, as well as the key role played by problem-solving in Smart Policing Initiatives; a process that, again, requires a strong, trustful research collaboration.