Police Technology and Accountability Project (PTAP)

This project will examine how police executives impact accountability practices and outcomes within law enforcement agencies. The research team will create comprehensive datasets on police chiefs, sheriffs, civilian review boards, and accountability mechanisms like body-worn cameras and AI systems for identifying misconduct.

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Executive Summary

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PTAP is a project aimed at evaluating the influence of police executives and technology on accountability mechanisms within law enforcement.

It brings a list of accountability proposals, shedding light on the key role of police executives in implementing reforms.

Such research will provide vital insights on improving accountability through policy and practice related to police leadership.

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Dataset of police department oversight (e.g., through civilian review boards) and use of advanced technologies/AI (research funded by NIJ)

Data is used to control actions that are taking place by understanding Artificial Intelligence and its relation to police work.

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Historically, research has focused more on frontline officers than on the roles of police chiefs and sheriffs, and little is understood about the role of advanced technology within policing.

This study seeks to fill that gap by systematically collecting and analyzing data about accountability practices, civilian oversight, and AI and other technologies used by police agencies.

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It consists of an interdisciplinary team of experts in fields like criminology, technology, and policing.

This project, supported by experts across various disciplines, aims to offer practical insights into police leadership, technology use, and accountability, influencing future policy and practices.

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Team Members

Faculty: Daniel S. Schiff, Kaylyn Jackson Schiff, Ian T. Adams, Josh McCrain, Scott Mourtgos

Graduate researchers: Chandler Robinson

Undergraduate researchers: Abby Sabella, Annabel Brown, Henry Kiracofe, Aayan Agarwal, Ashley Hung, Chatanya Sarin

Themes

AI and Criminal Justice Systems

Methodological Areas

Comparative analysis

Relevant Stakeholders

Policymakers and Administrators

Substantive Areas

AI Governance and Policy

Criminal Justice and Policing

Democracy and Political Institutions

Research Papers Related to the Project

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/pam.22620

For Prospective Team Members

This project is ideal for students interested in criminal justice, police reform, and how leadership shapes accountability outcomes. It is a strong fit for those who want experience with applied policy research, real-world implementation challenges, and the intersection of technology, AI, and law enforcement oversight.

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