Technology and Law Enforcement by Jeannette Villatoro ©

Technology and Law Enforcement


The development of technology in society has increased dramatically over the last decade. Law Enforcement has progressively taken advantage of the growing industry to better prevent crime. With the implementation of advanced systems, DNA technology, and crime mapping programs, police officers are able to respond to crime more efficiently, proving that the speedy progression of technology within law enforcement enables more productive crime preventing measures.


Technology has pushed police work to new limits. Encroachment in the area of technology is steady and consistently changing for the better. Advanced technology in law enforcement has provided more flexible means of communication and crime prevention in an otherwise stringent field. Technology does more than provide better methods of effective policing; technology keeps law enforcement moving forward with the current times. In fact, law enforcement agencies must consider it a mandate to keep up with technology because the world in which they protect and serve has reached incredible heights in technology that require law enforcement to keep up with the pace (Champion, 2007).


An important advancement in technology is within the systems utilized in several law enforcement agencies. Better technology and revamped systems and programs have enabled officers to communicate more readily with dispatchers and other agencies regarding a particular crime (Reichert, 2001). There has also been great improvement with the system interface that officers utilize. Brighter, more organized screens within patrol units allow for a better visual experience with more pertinent information available in order to contrivance better response times and more effective execution of problem solving strategies (Reichert, 2001).


DNA technology has become increasingly important for law enforcement. Databases of DNA evidence have been expanded and renovated to allow for more inclusive models of application. DNA evidence can be retrieved from databases in order to match potential criminals to similar crimes (Johns, 2000). Because of technological advancements since its inception and growth nearly twenty five years ago, biological matter can be contrived from smaller samples and have a wider ability to produce results (Johns, 2000). Furthermore, DNA can be used in profiling to not only prove guilt but exonerate innocent persons who were convicted of crimes in a time period in which technology was less sophisticated (Johns, 2000).


Technology has also allowed innovative programs related to crime prevention to flourish. Computer crime mapping has provided extensive capabilities to law enforcement agencies and their ability to understand demographics, propensity for crime in certain areas, and ways to measure these crimes while developing a comprehensive strategy for specific crime prevention in specified areas. As stated by Reichert, “advancements in computer technology and Geographic Information Systems have coincided with theoretical and practical innovations in crime analysis, investigation, and crime prevention” (Reichert, 2001, p.2). Crime mapping allows police officers and communities to connect and share concerns for safety, thus opening communication and affording officers the ability to improve public relations. Crime mapping has in essence allowed abstract data contrived by experience in the law enforcement field to be coupled with proper technological systems so that all-encompassing results can be gained to elicit proper action.


With the advancement of technology within law enforcement steadily growing, many concerns have surfaced regarding the hindering probabilities of such technology. Future technology entices the inquisitive mind with promises of biometrics, brain-wave sensors, innovative weapon development, density scanners, and even augmented reality (Reed, 2005). Nothing seems implausible in regards to technology and this notion can be dangerous to law enforcement if technology becomes so advanced that we are more equipped with pioneering crime fighting tools rather than practical crime preventing measures. However, with the advancement of technology in society, it is a necessity for law enforcement to be up to par if not ahead of the game. Similarly, technology has proven to be an effective tool rather than a hindering burden in law enforcement and will seemingly continue to produce better ways of protecting, serving, and enhancing the wellbeing of citizens.


Technology has not only provided extensive abilities for law enforcement agencies, but innumerous possibilities as well. With the advancement of computer systems and databases utilized by law enforcement, police officers are enabled to be more efficient in all areas of crime prevention including public relations. Furthermore, advancements in how law enforcement obtains, stores, and uses DNA evidence have changed the face of the criminal justice system. Although technology must be used as a tool rather than a driving force that replaces humanity, it is nevertheless provided a positive enhancement to law enforcement throughout the years.







References
Champion, D. (2007). Crime prevention in America. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall.

Johns, C. (2000). Advances in DNA technology. Retrieved from http://www.cjjohns.com/lawpowerandjustice/commentaries/Advance_DNA.html.

Reed, B. (2005). Future technology in law enforcement. Retrieved from http://www.californiapolicechiefs.org/nav_files/technology/pdf/Future_Technology_Law_ EnforcementRedding _PD.pdf.

Reichert, K. (2001). Promising approaches to addressing crime. Retrieved from http://www.sas.upenn.edu/jerrylee/programs/fjc/paper_dec01.pdf.