Crime investigation found its evolution with the introduction of technology. Though technology cannot stop criminals from committing the crime the probability of them getting caught has increased with the introduction of technology in crime investigation. Technology has changed everything from crime, the way it’s been committed and the way investigation takes place. With the introduction of digital forensics, data mapping, smartphone tracking, and all sorts of technology both criminals and investigators have become smarter.
Here is a list of technology advancements that have helped and changed the crime investigation procedure:
Digital forensics
Digital forensics is a part of forensics science that’s main focus is analyzing, identifying, recovering, examining, and acquiring the data that is stored electronically, also known as, electronic evidence. This evidence can be collected from sources like smartphones, computers, shipborne equipment, and many such electronic devices. Digital forensics tool primarily focuses on the extraction and processing of data found in electronic devices and presenting it to the legal authorities or to whomever the data may concern. All the data that are received using digital forensics are admissible in court and help in predicting the motive behind the crime.
Data mapping
Data mapping is a key component used in law enforcement to analyze crime patterns. Data mapping provides a clear geographical look and helps in identifying the hotspots of the crime of a particular place. It. Crime analysts use this information to get a better understanding of the reasons behind the crime and use the information to come up with a strategy to deal with the crime and locate the criminal. Legal authorities also get knowledge about major criminal organizations like drug cartels and human trafficking cartels.
Surveillance using internet traffic
Surveillance means monitoring the behavior or activities of someone to get information regarding something. Now, with the introduction of CCTV (closed-circuit television) or interception of electronically transmitted information like Internet traffic one can conduct surveillance from a distance. Surveillance is a technique used by the government to gather intelligence about crime, espionage, person, group, or investigation of a crime. They are limitations imposed by the government on surveillance to maintain people’s privacy and therefore, some laws restrict the governmental and private use of surveillance systems.
Smartphone tracking
Smartphones are the most common bit of technology used by almost every single person in this era. Therefore, smartphone tracking plays a significant role in crime investigations these days. This technology when used via legal channels can provide intel on the suspect’s movement before, during, and after the crime. This intel provides legal authorities with pieces of information on the crime and the criminal and saves the innocent from undergoing criminal trials.
Conclusion
Technology like social media and biometrics also plays a significant role in enabling the witnesses to come forwards with crime-related information and maintain records or outstanding warrants of the criminals. With technological advancement, law enforcement finds it easier to deal with crime and found a way to improve the investigation process. Technology has made the communities feel safer because people who are seeking justice have digital evidence with them to support their cases. And as technology continues to improve, crime investigation will look easier and better in the coming years.
