Building Digital Trust

Technology has advanced policing in a variety of ways and is sometimes referred to as a “force multiplier” or tool that can help to accomplish things that are otherwise not possible or unlikely. But despite its benefits and promises, the use of some technologies in policing can also create or further distrust in some or all communities.

Project Overview

The goal of the project is to equip police agencies with the tools needed to successfully implement cutting-edge technologies in ways that may be more acceptable and trusted by communities. Through its Digital Trust & Innovation Center, NPI will deliver national technical training and assistance (TTA) to local jurisdictions and offer tailored, site-specific assistance to agencies and community stakeholders.

Through this work and other projects, NPI is developing guidance for agencies nationwide using technology to reduce violent crime and improve investigative responses.

Methodology

The training and technical assistance (TTA) team will bring together focus groups to discuss emerging needs and challenges and identify promising approaches to building digital trust. NPI will then create tools and resources from which other agencies can learn. The team and its subject matter experts will further identify and share trends and techniques to bring community voice into the decision-making and policy development processes.