By Michelle Cardenas
Putting a stop to crime can be an extremely difficult task, but keeping up with the advancements in technology with crime can be even harder; that’s why we invited experts in the field of policing to discuss the future of technology and crime.
The LEAP Center hosted a special panel that consisted of Houston Bomb Squad Officers Jason Countryman, Matthew Muskiet, and Former Deputy Director of the Department of Public Safety Skylor Hearn to address some hot topics regarding the use of technology in the field. Professor Yawn, the director of the Law, Engagement and Politics Center, moderated this event and led the intriguing conversation.
The first subject of conversation was the use of Real Time Crime Centers (RTCC) and the advantages it poses to officers when responding to an emergency call.
Sometimes eyewitnesses can provide inaccurate or unclear information to officers; however, the technology that the Real Time Crime Centers utilizes reduces the confusion and most importantly danger to responding officers. Former Deputy Hearn informed the audience that Real Time Crime Centers use tools such as security cameras and Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR) to better protect officers and citizens during crimes. What is particularly interesting about Real Time Crime centers is the ability to merge all of the tools and display them all on one screen.
This allows for multiple people to simultaneously receive alerts and inform officers what is happening in real time. Professor Yawn went into detail about Fusus, which is the software that allows Real Time Crime Centers to achieve such accurate descriptions of suspects and the trails they leave behind. The panelists also gave their opinion on new technologies such as the Shotspotter, ALPRs, and Starchase. Former Deputy Hearn is very fond of the Shotspotter because of its accuracy to detect gunshots, their direction, and the time they were fired.
More controversial topics such as facial recognition and the use of robots to stop crime were also addressed by our panel. Officers Jason Countryman and Matthew Muskiet were our experts on robots considering their work with Spot, the robotic dog.
Spot is a robot designed by Boston Dynamics to enter any barricade situation and assist SWAT by providing them with eyes on the inside. Spot relieves officers from dangerous situations by searching the area and clearing the perimeter. Spot has many different features that allow him to navigate and be controlled by an officer on the outside. Some of these features include a 360-degree camera that allows full range of vision inside any room. Unlike most robots, Spot has a great perception of field that allows him to travel all kinds of terrain. He has the ability to stay on his legs and has excellent balance despite our efforts to knock him down. Spot can walk, crawl, open doors, drag anywhere from 40-50 pounds and prance!
Students watched in awe as Spot showed off his skills and pranced around for us!
Sam Houston’s Chief Strategy Officer, General David Glaser also stopped by and engaged in conversation with the officers and asked a couple questions about possibly arming Spot. Because of the manufacturer’s contractual requirements, Spot cannot be armed in any way. However, in order to protect him from criminal attacks there have been many suggestions on arming him with non-lethal weaponry. After the presentation Officers Countryman and Muskiet were generous enough to allow students to take selfies with Spot and touch him.
It was truly amazing to discuss and witness some of the technological advancements in the field of policing. Many thanks to Former Deputy Skylor Hearn, Officer Countryman, Officer Muskiet, General David Glaiser and Spot for joining us!
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 