Information management and communication technology for conflict prevention and peace

Abstract

Information management and technology (ICT) has much to offer to support public safety and policing in conflict prevention and peace. Police and public safety agencies have been using ICTs for several decades for managing the processes of investigation and preparation of documents for prosecution. The processes of receiving calls for assistance and dispatching response vehicles are increasingly managed through intelligent systems linked to radio communications. These have been enhanced with the availability of GIS (Geospatial Information Systems) for interactive mapping of locations of events and GPS (Global Positioning Systems) for tracking of vehicles. Bio-identity, such as finger-prints and DNA, has been used for some time by public safety jurisdictions. Finger-prints are increasingly used for building access, border control and access to computer systems. Community use of ICTs for enhanced public safety include CC-TV (Closed-Circuit Television), and anti-theft devices in retail.