Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this case study was to understand the self-efficacy (mastery and vicarious experiences) of police officers as they related to the use and implementation of technology, specifically police drones, in law enforcement.
Conceptual Framework. Bandura’s (1977) theory of self-efficacy was the theoretical framework for this study. This framework was appropriate because police officers constantly make life-changing and critical decisions and have mastery and vicarious experiences that affect themselves and others. Advanced law enforcement drone technology is a force multiplier that enhances law enforcement’s ability to do their job with the goal of keeping themselves and the community safe.
Methodology. A case study design approach was used for this research study to identify specific experiences and personalized thoughts by sworn police officers in the direct use of police drones.
Findings and Conclusions. This qualitative case study identified three primary themes in studying the self-efficacy of police officers and their use and implementation of advanced law enforcement drone technology: a) community outreach, b) safety and de-escalation, and c) advancements in technology. Although the use and implementation of law enforcement drone technology is a force-multiplier to the communities they serve, it cannot and should not be utilized to replace, substitute, or be used in lieu of sworn law enforcement police officers.
Recommendations. Used as a qualitative research and data driven tool moving forward, various stakeholders such as police agencies, communities, and cities with the inclination, desire, and need to explore to use and implementation of advanced law enforcement drone technology now have a successful academic blueprint. Future studies should consider expanding the study to include a larger participant sample, other law enforcement agencies in different jurisdictions, and study the various communities and city stakeholders those law enforcement agencies serve. Those studies should potentially include the cost/benefit analysis, use of force and de-escalation metrics, pro-active policing vs. reactive policing models, and identify if community trust, safety, and legitimacy is improved using advanced law enforcement drone technology.