These issues are categorized separately to facilitate organization. However, it is clear that there are not bright lines separating them. They are all inextricably intertwined. Conceptually, the use-of-force, for instance, is connected to the public’s trust and confidence in the police, which is connected to the police use of technology, which in turn is connected to the control of crime and disorder. They also represent a practical connectivity. Many of them are contingent upon each other to function (e.g. self-driving cars and artificial intelligence). This also means they can have a synergistic effect where their impacts are compounded by these interconnected relationships. Readers are encouraged to keep the interconnected nature of these issues in mind as they join our exploration of the multitude of things affecting the future of policing.

In examining the issues we present on this site, it is clear they should be considered within the temporal context of policing. How people think about policing is connected to the continuum of the past, present and future. While we think about, and plan for the future of policing, we must simultaneously consider its past and present. Past policing transgressions are connected to the perceptions people carry with them today. And what the police do today, and how they plan for tomorrow, will affect the future level of trust and confidence the public has in the police. And it is from this level of trust and confidence the public has in the police that so many issues emanate.

The issues identified on this site are not meant to represent everything that will impact the future of policing. They do, however, represent what we have identified as the most pressing – now and in the near future. We believe anyone interested in the future of policing – practitioners, community members, policymakers or legislators – should be aware of the impact these issues will have on the police and the communities they are sworn to protect and serve.

Readers will note the consistent weaving of AI into many of our discussions. That’s not because we are enamored by AI. It is because AI is becoming so ubiquitous that truly examining the issues without some discussion of how AI will affect policing in the near future would be inadequate at best. Perhaps this is a cautionary message to all of us. Are we ready for AI to impact almost all aspects of our lives? Do we understand its impact enough to adequately regulate it? AI is rapidly outpacing our ability to legislate its use and impact. As a result, it is up to leaders – in policing and communities – to self-impose the ethical and practical boundaries that make policing’s use of AI responsible. Only then will it enhance, not counter, policing that is effective, empathetic and just.

The issues we identify are under constant examination. We add new issues as they become apparent. And we update our commentary and content on a continual basis. If you feel we are missing an important topic, or specific aspect of one of the presented issues, please send us your suggestions at info@futurepolicing.org or use the “contact” page on this website.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the Future of Policing Institute fellows are theirs and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent.