TechBeat: a publication of the NLECTC

Citation

Carter II, J.W. (2009), "TechBeat: a publication of the NLECTC", Policing: An International Journal, Vol. 32 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/pijpsm.2009.18132dag.001

TechBeat: a publication of the NLECTC

Article Type: Policing on the web From: Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies & Management, Volume 32, Issue 4

As we near the end of the first decade of the twenty-first century, law enforcement personnel are finding themselves bombarded by an ever-increasing array of technological gadgets, tools and computer systems. Despite much of this technology being geared towards simplifying or streamlining police work, it can be quite confusing and difficult to stay current with new developments and the seemingly ever-changing upgrades to existing forms of technology. However, there are resources to keep law enforcement officers in the technological loop. One such resource, TechBeat, a magazine-style publication, has been playing an important role in disseminating news regarding technological concerns, developments and issues to law enforcement and correctional practitioners in the field since it premiered in 1995.

TechBeat is a quarterly publication of the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC). Articles included in TechBeat typically address a wide range of technological issues relevant to the fields of policing and corrections. For example, the Summer 2009 edition of TechBeat addresses such topics as using electronic scanners to identify contraband concealed on persons, how warning lamp color and intensity can affect motorists’ vision, various technology-related research initiatives of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, new developments in training law enforcement investigators to fight cybercrime, and an explanation of recent efforts by the National Institute of Justice to streamline standards for chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear protective suits and equipment.

Obtaining copies of TechBeat magazine could not be any easier. The magazine is available, free of charge, in two formats. Those interested in receiving electronic copies of TechBeat can download an entire issue of the magazine, or just a selected article, as a PDF file via the NLECTC website[1]. Readers can even download electronic copies of past issues by accessing the TechBeat archive. If a hard copy is preferred, the NLECTC will mail either a single copy to an individual reader, or any number of copies to a law enforcement or corrections agency. All that is required to obtain hard copy of TechBeat is completion of an online subscription form.

For those working in the field of law enforcement who are trying to make sense of the changing nature of technology, or are wanting to stay current on technology standards, or are interested in the latest technology-related research initiatives, or are simply trying to stay ahead of those on the wrong side of the law, TechBeat can be a valuable resource. It is also a very user-friendly and well-designed web publication. Consider the following list of awards TechBeat has received since its first issue debuted in 1995:

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  the 1998 Excellence in Printing Award (Best of Category) from the Printing & Graphics Communications Association;

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  the 1998 Blue Pencil Award for Most Improved Periodical from the National Association of Government Communicators;

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  the 1999 Silver Inkwell Award of Merit from the International Association of Business Communicators; and

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  two APEX Awards of Excellence (2001 and 2006).

The URL for the NLECTC web site is www.justnet.org/Pages/Home.aspxCollege of Mount St Joseph, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA

J.W. Carter II