| This research examines the effectiveness of field mobile computing in law enforcement through the theory of "Task Technology Fit." Field mobile computing is at the forefront of police technology implementations throughout the United States for the past four years. This study measures how well these systems match the tasks the field officers must perform. It also measures the effectiveness of field mobile computing as implemented in the Scottsdale Police Department.; These findings support previous studies in this area. It also adds to earlier research in three significant areas: (1) It assesses the field officer's perspective on mobile computing. (2) The amount of time required to complete reports increases with the implementation of field mobile computing. (3) It validates improvements to other unit's work activities resulting from field computing.; This study found statistical support indicating that inquiries to local, state and national criminal information databases increased with the implementation of mobile computing.; This study also found that field officers recognize the potential benefits mobile computing affords field officers. The author found statistical significance for two factors, representing ten questions, associated with field officer's opinions of mobile computing. Unfortunately, the amount of time required for completing reports increased.; Lastly, administration, detectives and records all experienced statistically significant improvements in the tasks they perform, directly resulting from the implementation of mobile computing. |
