It's not something the police force wants to see, but it still occurs: racist and misogynist behavior in police work. Dr. Linda Louis is a human rights law specialist and has studied how technology could help police officers behave correctly according to applicable legal norms.

On Tuesday 17 September 2024, Linda Louis was awarded a Ph.D. for her research to identify the legal norms and how to implement them in technologies we already use every day, like smartphones and fitness trackers.

"Considering technology that police officers, investigators, enforcers and other police personnel already use for their work," explains Louis. "What if it could be used to track and nudge their behavior in a positive way?"

Because, as Louis adds, police officers also unknowingly engage in behavior they are supposed to be combating or preventing. At times, they discriminate or make sexist or racist remarks aimed at female victims, minorities or against citizens in general.

Practice not in line with theory

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