Working Title of PhD: Technology-mediated policing: A sociotechnical analysis of change
Year commenced PhD study: 2020
Institution/Organisation: Universities of Glasgow and Edinburgh
Funding Source: Lord Kelvin/Adam Smith Studentship
Full or part-time: Full Time
PhD Supervisors: Dr. Julie Berg and Dr. Richard Jones
Synopsis of PhD:
The sociotechnical research examines the ways in which police and technology shape one another. Using body-worn video (BWV) technology and policing in the United Kingdom (Northern Ireland, Wales, and England) as a case study, interviews and field observation were conducted with UK organisations involved in policing, BWV manufacturing, and third sector.
Using a new materialist approach, the research examines the interactions between the social (e.g. policy, organisational structure, and personal beliefs) and technical (e.g. usability, noticeability, and proprietary features) elements involved in change. Both personal/behavioural and organisational changes were identified and analysed. An analysis of the qualitative data produces findings which highlight the bi-directional nature of the shaping process between police and technology and emphasizes the need to provide sufficient consideration and weight to technical/material elements when researching the impact of police technologies.
Digital Media, Surveillance and Technology
