1. Running head: TECHNOLOGY IN CRIME FIGHTING 1
Technology in Crime Fighting
Latoya Moncrieffe
Research & Study Skills (S101)
Dr. Wade Marr
January 24, 2010
2. TECHNOLOGY IN CRIME FIGHTING 2
Table of Contents
Abstract………………………………………………………………………………………………3
Content………………………………………………………………………………………………..4
Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………………………8
References……………………………………………………………………………………………9
Appendices……………………………………………………………………………………….....10
3. TECHNOLOGY IN CRIME FIGHTING 3
Abstract
This paper explores three published articles that report on findings from research conducted on the
different technologies used in crime fighting. All articles emphasised the effectiveness and
efficiency of modern crime fighting technology compared to fighting measures used in past
decades. The study of computer forensics and the use of wireless technology has quickly emerged,
helping law enforcement agencies in their daily duties.
In Horton, J. article, she explores how cell phones, cameras and GPS impact crime fighting.
In an influential article, Lounello, N. states that with DNA testing, many criminals are caught and in
addition, many wrongfully convict’s names are cleared. Shadow, M. (2008) indicated that with
fingerprinting technology, suspect’s fingerprints can be swiftly compared on a database in regards
to a crime scene. Many public and private companies are also using wireless technologies thus
creating another area of technological jobs. As swiftly as the field and its importance are growing,
many practitioners still remain unaware of computer forensics and its role in the technological
world.
4. TECHNOLOGY IN CRIME FIGHTING 4
Technology in Crime Fighting
When entering the new millennium, mankind and society seemed more focused on
environmental, sociological and financial problems than on a terrorist attack as demonstrated with
the events of September 11. The twentieth-century society was strongly influenced by the shock of
the introduction of new inventions. Communication, the media, cinema and television caused global
events to become the concern of the entire world's population. As time changes, the array of crimes
and criminals also change. Criminal justice professionals will come across huge challenges while
experiencing marked changes in the future.
Explosive growth in the computer industry over the last decade has made new technologies
cheaper and simpler for the average person to own. The use of technology in crime fighting has
become an advanced method of tracking down criminals in order to solve crimes. It has proven to
be more precise and efficient than strategies used in past decades. Despite such enthusiasm, there
are still room for improvements.
Discussion
More than half of the 741 million cell phones in the world are equipped with some type of
photo capability. Not only do these photos preserve memories, they help fight crimes. Horton, J. in
her article stated that, “Police in London used cell phone images to find the terrorists behind the
2005 bombings”. In other cases of crimes such as kidnapping or robbery, cell phones can also be
used to take pictures of license plates or possibly the kidnapper. In a situation where there is a crime
in progress and you are within close proximity, these special cell phones can be used to video
criminal acts and then sent to 911 call centers. A new technology allows the sent images to be
5. TECHNOLOGY IN CRIME FIGHTING 5
incorporated directly into the record of the related call. They also can be forwarded to emergency
crews on their way to the crime scene. Linking the images with the specific call makes them easy to
find later for use in an investigation.
In an influential article, Horton, J. pointed out three different states (places) that installed
wireless cameras and stated how this was lucrative:
In Dallas, wireless cameras with motorized controls allow officers watching from a
remote location to pan around and zoom in and out to look for information that could
help to solve a crime. In Baltimore, officers can watch live feeds for suspicious
activities, which have enabled them to catch several violent offenders in the act. On
the West Coast, Los Angeles police reported a 32 percent reduction in crime after
installing wireless cameras [source: Jones].
Video surveillance systems can help to deter crime, monitor suspicious activities, identify
license plates and collect evidence (Horton, n.d.). Having closed circuit televisions (CCTVs)
installed at all public places especially parks, streets, markets, etc can prove to be very helpful in
preventing crimes. CCTVs could check and prevent bomb blasts and other terrorist activities.
Although this could be considered a difficult task it is certainly not impossible. Another device that
is found to be useful is the Global positioning system or what is mostly referred to as GPS. This
tracking device will determine the positions or locations of a vehicle or a person to which it is
attached. In addition, if an officer ever gets into trouble and can't radio his location back to base, the
GPS will broadcast the officer's position, speed of travel and location. We must face the reality that
the technological equipments used by different criminals are very advanced compared to the
6. TECHNOLOGY IN CRIME FIGHTING 6
equipments that police and other law enforcement agencies use. Therefore, it is very imperative to
constantly improve on these technologies and strategies used to combat crimes.
The deployment of DNA testing helps law enforcement officers to convert certain clues into
evidence that can be use in a court of law. The criminal however are given the right to a fair trial but
it is the job of the prosecutors to use this evidence to prove that these persons are guilty without a
doubt. Otherwise, a guilty person could be set free. With the implementation of DNA testing, more
persons have been freed (released from death row) after being accused wrongly.
According to George E. Pataki, Governor of New York, the use of DNA by law enforcement
in recent years have proven it’s extraordinary value in identifying criminals who, in the absence of
this technology, would go free (Source: Lounello, N). Even though the old fashion way of crime
fighting cannot be abandoned completely, advancements have been made in forensic science to
capture criminals. Crimes can take place anywhere from the dawn of daylight to the middle of the
night or from a crowded place to and isolated area. But whenever there is no witness, the only
evidence that remain is the true witness of the crime.
In her article, Lounello stated that:
With the implementation of DNA testing, nearly 200 crimes have been solved and in
more than 200 other cases, the national computer system was able to link DNA from
a crime scene in one jurisdiction with DNA from a crime scene elsewhere.
Even more shocking is nationwide, over the past decade, on the basis of DNA testing, 53 people
have been released from death row, (47) after having been wrongly accused (Lounello, n.d.).
7. TECHNOLOGY IN CRIME FIGHTING 7
As published in her article, (Lounello, n.d.). mentioned another method used to combat the
way crimes are committed. With the recent September 11th
terrorist attacks, a face recognition
device has been implemented. This new device will produce a photograph of each individual
attempting to enter the aircraft and then search a database of known terrorists or criminals.
In further support to this finding, Shadow, M. (2008) put forward another technology used to
fight crime. Researchers have developed finger printing technologies that transmit prints from crime
scene to a fingerprint bureau in a fraction of the typical four to twenty minutes.
8. TECHNOLOGY IN CRIME FIGHTING 8
Conclusion
Crime and criminal behavior has changed over the past decades. The threat of terror is
immediate and persistent. Globalization, propelled by advances in technology and transportation has
made the world smaller for criminals and larger for state and local law enforcement. Today, time
distance no longer impede criminal activities; the traditional reactive model of policing is ill-
equipped to face the new realities. The post- 9/11 environment in the United States has increased
demands for law enforcement to build global partnerships to work more closely with agencies at all
levels of government to fight both crime and terrorism.
9. TECHNOLOGY IN CRIME FIGHTING 9
References
Horton, J. (n.d). Wireless crime fighting: Cell phones, cameras and GPS.
Retrieved January 20, 2010 from: http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/wireless-
technology-fight-crime.html
Lounello, N. (n.d.). Technology: A crime-fighting tool.
Retrieved January 20, 2010 from: http://albany.edu/~n13231/hypertext/index.html
Shadow, M. (September 3, 2008). Fighting crimes and the need for technology.
Retrieved January 23, 2010 from: http://socyberty.com/crime/fighting-crime-and-the-need-
for-technology.html
