The Platformization of Policing: A Cross-National Analysis

Data integration and analytics platforms promise the ‘desilosation’ of databases by connecting heterogeneous data from different databases. In this chapter, we introduce platforms as a timely Big Data fuelled tool of policing, by comparatively discussing empirical insights from platform projects in Denmark, Germany, and Norway, all with reference to the market leader Palantir Technologies. We ask: What motivates police organizations to use these platforms and what kind of transformations come along with the implementation of data analysis platforms? We conclude by arguing that despite challenges and conflicts with Palantir in Germany and Norway, data analysis and integration platforms have the potential to reconfigure work practices and employment conditions, ultimately challenging the long-standing professional culture of regulating the police work environments.