E-Policing
This chapter provides a bridge between e-government research related to websites and the study of police organizations and strategy. In a digital age, the police need to have a strong web presence to engage in good governance by maintaining transparency and empowering citizens to participate. It is posited that web presence and citizen participation are linked to policing strategy, allowing citizens to work in tandem and co-produce public safety in their communities. This research utilized content analysis of the websites of police departments employing 250 or more sworn officers serving a municipal population. Using previously employed measures of website evaluations as well as some developed for this research, we found that police organizations have minimal web presence. Policy recommendations related to enhancing website presence are provided.