Introduction & What's Ahead

Greetings & Salutations,

My name is Gary and welcome to my e-government blog!  I will be writing from the beautiful State of Florida known for it's sandy beaches, Disney World, the "hanging chad," and it's ability to really mess up an election!  There are a few things to know and understand about me and why I have chosen to share my thoughts and experiences with you, but more importantly, why I chose the topic of E-Governance & Law Enforcement.  

First, I am an experienced law enforcement officer for the past 17 years with experience ranging from patrol to detective.  Secondly, I am a big fan of e-services and how they impact my life, both as a law enforcement officer and as a consumer of government services.  Lastly, it is important to apply my knowledge gained from Troy University that brings all of my Public Administration training and expertise together with my police skills.  It may seem like an odd pairing, but I firmly believe that E-governance will eventually become the norm for law enforcement and their communities as we move farther into the future.

Let's start by talking about E-governance and what should be.  E-governance (E-government) is electronic government.  Its purpose is to revolutionize the efficiency, effectiveness, and convenience of government services.  In the private sector, you'll find that e-services has been around for quite sometime, and the private sector has become very efficient at delivering those services.  But what happened to government?  Always lagging behind the curve, slow to make the change, and watching the rest of the world just pass it by.  I would argue that it is a combination of bureaucracy, attitude, money, and method of thinking.

Hmmm, everyone knows that bureaucracy is never a good thing, right?  Too much red tape!  Attitude?  Government dictates, you follow!  This is not to say we are all sheep, but rather, there never seems to be a true community of government working together with the people to make positive things happen.  Money!?!?!  No brainer there!  It costs money to make e-government work.  Method of thinking?  Try these quips on for size: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!," "Where else you gonna go?," and "Too big to fail!"  Well I would argue, the government is failing, but it does not need to be that way.

Okay, so you're saying to yourself, "I get the E-government part so far, but how does law enforcement play into this?"  One of the largest organizations in any government jurisdiction, beside the school system, is generally going to be law enforcement.  Law enforcement is also one of the most visible government entities out there with our fancy cars, flashing lights, and cool utility belts.  However, most people rarely have any interaction with a police officer, but may need the services that law enforcement agencies provide.  Some of these services may include civil matter advice, telephone report for minor offenses, delayed driver exchange report of a traffic crash, or the ever famous anonymous report about the neighbor playing his music too loudly.  Can these services not be addressed by e-government?  I would argue "YES!"

The transition to providing e-government services by law enforcement is not necessarily an easy one.  Aside from the all of the issues mentioned earlier, law enforcement agencies are generally cautious when implementing new technology into its repertoire.  Take for example

Gartner's Hype Cycle

 the use of Mobile Terminals installed in our cars which were unheard of a decade ago.  Many different systems popped up, but proved ineffective for our work.  However, as time went on, some companies perfected it and now we can't live without them.  In fact to explain this, there is something called Gartner's Hype Cycle…yes a hype cycle… that shows the various phases of "hype" to "mainstream."  These phases, as shown in the graphic are the technology trigger, peak of inflated expectations, trough of disillusionment, slope of enlightenment, and plateau of productivity http://www.gartner.com/technology/research/methodologies/hype-cycle.jsp.  When the Mobile Terminals first appeared in our police cars, you should have heard the grumbling and moaning about using them…….and quite a few of them suffered broken screens with an exact imprint of a fist!  There were trials and tribulations while some systems were absolutely horrible.  However, after a decade of common usage, we can't live without them.  And Panasonic is making a killing with its Toughbook line!

Here is what I believe lay ahead for law enforcement.  As law enforcement becomes an increasing technical career, the officers on the street will "test out" technology and then the citizens will receive their e-services after the officers perfect it.  In addition, I firmly believe that more and more of the minor calls for service will be handled by e-services leaving the ugly part of law enforcement to the officer on the street.  The key to making this all happen is we in law enforcement have to get out of our way, let our I.T. people do their thing, and work with our community to deliver the best services in the most efficient manner!  

Over the next several weeks, my various blogs will examine different aspects of implementing e-government and how they impact law enforcement.  The goal is to show "yes" it can be done and to whisper in the ear of agencies slow to get up to speed to get on board!  The technology and e-government train is leaving the station, never to return!  Don't get left behind!  Thank you for reading and I will continue the second part of this blog series next week.