Research evidence, technological innovation and scientific standards in policing workstream report

Introduction

1.1 Motivation

In June 2019, the Cabinet Secretary for Justice outlined a report on digital triage devices used by Police Scotland. This resulted in the forming of an Independent Advisory Group (IAG) that would explore the legal and ethical considerations arising from emerging technological developments [1]. The IAG thus focuses on Police Scotland's use of emerging technologies, and where this is compatible with human rights and other applicable legislation and best practice [1]. Sheptycki et al [2] defines that there needs to be normatively ground policing practice in concerns about social justice, and where technology could be used to undertake surveillance and also to implement use-of-force in the service of governance.

The group thus aims to investigate and propose ways that Police Scotland could best use emerging technology. This document relates to one of the workstreams within the IAG, and which focuses on evidence and scientific standards.

1.2 Focus areas

The Workstream 2 within the IAG focuses had a number of key aims:

1. Analyse and map the existing approach taken by Police Scotland to the use of research evidence (both quantitative and qualitative) for the consideration, adoption and implementation of emerging technologies. If, as anticipated, a variety of approaches are taken by Police Scotland then short case studies will be provided which highlight where and what research evidence was used in the lifecycle of emerging technology decision making. See Chapter 2.

2. It is recognised that not all emerging technologies in policing will be commercially procured. Police Scotland has both the skills and the opportunity to innovate internally and in partnership. A qualitative analysis will be undertaken of the barriers (and facilitators) to research and innovation (Note: the scope of this activity will be limited to innovation that may lead to technology that assists in operational policing). See Chapter 3.

3. Horizon scan to identify emerging and developing capability and practice in the gathering of digital data and evidence (including those related to body cameras, mobile phone analysis, and data sharing). Consider preparatory research and scientific standards that may be required should future adoption of technology/practice be considered. See Chapter 4.

4. Understand areas of innovations in the usage of digital data and evidence, and how to support a scale-up in their usage. See Chapter 5.

5. Using the information generated above (item 1, 2 and 3) and input from key stakeholders and practitioners, explore the preferred place and role of research evidence in the process of considering, adopting and implementing emerging technologies in policing. This will allow for a target operating model for the use of research evidence to be proposed.

The key outputs of this workstream are the investigation areas of innovation for Police Scotland, and how best challenges can be setup, and which integrate with SMEs.