Dangerous or Desirable: Utilizing Augmented Content for Field Policing

Location-based systems (LBS) can be of benefit to obtain information when and where it is needed. What is not captured with LBS are points of interest (dynamic hotspots) that are not fixed in one location, such as people. Furthermore, using 2D interface elements makes it difficult to communicate precise spatial information to users. The current study aims to assess the viability of dynamic hotspots and augmented content in a mobile hotspot policing application. Mock cases were constructed to mimic real field policing work. The system, comprised of a smartphone and smartwatch, gave static and dynamic hotspot information, which was enriched with the use of augmented elements viewed through the smartphone-camera. Interviews, observations and usability measures were used to gain insight for augmented reality (AR) design considerations in the domain of field-policing. The detection of dynamic hotspots was seen as desirable. While static and dynamic hotspot information was seen as valuable, AR information, as it was utilized in the current study, has too many drawbacks to be used in the field. Alternative modalities, insights into possible future iterations and technical limitations of AR for the emergency response domain are discussed.