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The Impact of Mobile Technology on a UK Police Force and Their Knowledge Sharing

Author

Listed:
  • Rachael Lindsay

    (Knowledge Management Research Group, Department of Information Science, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU, UK)

  • Louise Cooke

    (Knowledge Management Research Group, Department of Information Science, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU, UK)

  • Tom Jackson

    (Knowledge Management Research Group, Department of Information Science, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU, UK)

Abstract

The paper discusses an evaluation study that investigates the impact of mobile technology on a UK police force and on knowledge sharing processes. An empirical, ethnographic approach to the research was adopted, using a mixed method approach of focus groups, questionnaires, observational "work shadowing" and interviews with a total of 42 staff involved in a trial of mobile technology. The findings from the various methods are consistent, suggesting that mobile technology has a positive impact on policing and knowledge sharing. The timeliness of information improved, increasing the availability of information for decision-making. Reductions in information overload were apparent due to mobile technology providing greater control over information. There was a positive impact on knowledge sharing in the course of operational duties. Information and knowledge could be shared more quickly with officers in the field; and mobile technology provided a new avenue for keeping each other up to date with events. The paper contributes towards an understanding of the upcoming concept of "mobile knowledge management" and offers a set of recommendations to manage the possible long-term risk of mobile technology on knowledge sharing.

Suggested Citation

  • Rachael Lindsay & Louise Cooke & Tom Jackson, 2009. "The Impact of Mobile Technology on a UK Police Force and Their Knowledge Sharing," Journal of Information & Knowledge Management (JIKM), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 8(02), pages 101-112.
    • Handle: RePEc:wsi:jikmxx:v:08:y:2009:i:02:n:s0219649209002294
    DOI: 10.1142/S0219649209002294
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