Every contact leaves a trace: The trace of interactions

<p>Ann-Christine Andersson Arnten</p>

Every contact leaves a trace: The trace of interactions

Ann-Christine Andersson Arnten

Swedish Police, Sweden

: J Forensic Toxicol Pharmacol

Abstract

The theme of this conference is “Every Contact Leaves a Trace”. We all know that even the “best” criminals leave at least one trace. Sometimes we do not have the ability to examine that trace, and then our technology get more and more developed and traces found long ago can be examined and helping us solve old cases. This is natural when it comes to policing. We believe in and always look for a trace. Based on national and international research I will argue that as police officers and police leaders we also always leave a trace in our interactions, external with citizens and internal other fellow police employees. I will also argue that these traces are important for the effectiveness of our police departments both in how we solve and prevent crimes. Moreover I will argue that depending on personal characteristics of our police officers and police leaders these traces will be of positive or negative influence.