Not so fast! Data temporalities in law enforcement and border control

Abstract

In this paper, we investigate the temporal implications of data in law enforcement and border control. We start from the assumption that the velocity of knowledge and action is defined by heterogeneous formations and interactions of various actors, sites, and materials. To analyze these formations and interactions, we introduce and unpack the concept of “data temporality.” Data temporality explicates how the speed of knowledge and action in datafied environments unfolds in close correspondence with (1) variegated social rhythms, (2) technological inscriptions, and (3) the balancing of speed with other priorities. Specifically, we use the notion of data temporality as a heuristic tool to explore the entanglements of data and time within two case studies: Frontex’ Joint Operation Reporting Application and the predictive policing software PRECOBS. The analysis identifies two key themes in the empirical constitution of data temporalities. The first one pertains to the creation of events as reference points for temporally situated knowledge and action. And the second one pertains to timing and actionability, that is, the question of when interventions based on data analysis should be triggered.