Emerging Technologies in Policing

A short research project in support of the Scottish Government funded Independent Advisory Group on the use of emerging technologies in policing. The project would aim to identify and review best practice evidence on how police forces introduce new technologies in a way that aids effective policing whilst safeguarding privacy and human rights. The work will focus on identifying, in different jurisdictions, regulatory frameworks and ethical processes for governing such developments.

The work will focus on:

• Detailing the relevant legal frameworks in place in Scotland. This will comprise of three different parts, namely existing regulation including on equalities, human rights and data protection; the legislation which governs what Police Scotland do and how they do it; and legislation for specific policing activities or technologies.

• To look outward and explore good practice from other jurisdictions, both within the UK, where some legislation is shared, and internationally.

• To explore good practice from other fields, including a comparative look at legal frameworks, ethical standards and the use of research evidence and scientific standards.

• to review existing research that identifies the impacts on the rights of individuals (including witnesses, victims, suspects and members of the public) that are associated with the use of new and emerging technologies?