Technology application and police management: issues and challenges

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine critical issues and challenges that are related to the application of technology to improve the management of police organizations. Design/methodology/approach First, the study reviews the background of the police service model, the development of police-related technology and the relationship between these technologies and police performance measures. Based on the analysis of managerial concepts, the study provides discussions about risks of technology and human factors, resource limitation, professional attitude and culture, privacy concerns, citizen video and social media, and public trust. Findings The study concludes with suggestions to examine police technology application from a broad perspective to address not only technology operational issues but also related organization, management, community and policy concerns. Originality/value Findings of this study contribute to the understanding of technology application, contribution and limitation in public management.