INTRODUCTION:
In Recent years, the field of criminal investigation has evolved significantly due to the advancements in technology. The use of technology has revolutionized the way criminal investigations are conducted, from gathering evidence to analyzing and presenting it in court., law enforcement agencies now have more efficient and effective means to solve crimes and bring victims to justice With new tools and techniques. One of the key ways technology has impacted modern criminal investigations is through the use of digital evidence. With the rise of the digital age, criminals are increasingly using digital devices and platforms to commit crimes. This has created a vast amount of digital evidence that can be used by law enforcement agencies to investigate and solve crimes. Digital evidence includes data from cell phones, computers, social media, and other electronic devices. This evidence can provide crucial information such as location data, communication records, and financial transactions, which can help investigators establish a timeline of events and identify suspects. In addition to aiding investigations, technology has also improved the process of collecting and storing evidence. With the use of digital databases, law enforcement agencies can now store and access vast amounts of information, making it easier to cross-reference and link evidence to suspects. This has made the investigation process more efficient and has reduced the chances of errors and lost evidence, this article aims to unsderstand the use of technology in modern criminal investigation.
HOW TECHNOLOGY HELPS IN LAW ENFORCEMENT:
Due to the dynamic growth in the country and steep growth in the field of technology, it is important for the police and investigation authorities to adapt to the changing trends in crime investigation. With the changing world, crimes have also evolved and have taken a new form like cyberbullying, theft of money, data theft, ransomware, website spoofing, IoT hacking, etc. With the ever-increasing crimes in India coupled with such a low population-to-police ratio, it is necessary to have the technology to fill the complexities and make timely decisions. Information and Communication Technology is the method to provide sophisticated services by merging information technology and telecommunication. ICT is used to store, retrieve, analyze the data. It also includes a mobile phone, video conferencing, etc. These technologies are being used efficiently by the police for law enforcement and can be constantly improved for good governance. However, The new technology of crime mapping has been introduced and is being used by many departments especially the departments located in urban areas with huge population. Moreover, the use of technology has also improved the communication and collaboration between different law enforcement agencies. With the use of digital platforms and systems, investigators can now share information and coordinate efforts in real-time. This has proven to be crucial in cases that involve multiple jurisdictions or require the expertise of different agencies. However, the use of technology in criminal investigations also comes with its challenges. The vast amount of digital evidence and the complexity of forensic tools require investigators to have specialized training and skills. This has led to the need for ongoing training and education for law enforcement professionals to keep up with the rapid advancements in technology. Another challenge is the potential for the misuse of technology, such as the invasion of privacy or the mishandling of evidence. This highlights the importance of ethical guidelines and proper oversight in the use of technology in criminal investigations.
ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY IN CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION:
The implementation of strong and efficient tools of tracking system, software and technology has played a significant role in making a difference in criminal justice, from capturing criminals to improved public safety. Latest technologies used for criminal investigations are:
- Monitoring systems- GPS is a navigation system that allows officers to find the location of criminals from a device. Helps in sting operations and better investigation of police. Drones provide an aerial view of a place or scene where police can observe it from a distance. License plate scanning is another monitoring system used in criminal investigation. It enables the police to know if the vehicle is stolen or a warrant is issued to the driver.
- Surveillance cameras- CCTV is a widely used technology that records and stores events which is very useful for the police in investigation and arrest of suspects.
- Extensive database- recorded data such as DNA, fingerprints, background information and others are used in criminal investigation to bring out evidence and identify crime trends.
- Facial recognition software- this technology matches faces of humans from digital evidence against the database of faces. This is the fastest and most efficient way to verify data compared to others like retina or fingerprint scans.
- Forensics- electronic evidence can be examined by digital forensics. Biometrics such as palm prints, iris recognition, fingerprints, etc. are used to match people with criminal history. Forensics includes various technologies to bring out accurate results which are very useful in internal investigation of criminal as well as civil matters.
- Electronic identification- a person can be identified by the police easily through a mobile number, PAN, bank account number, driving license, etc.
- Rapid identification system- these are databases designed to help investigating officers in speedy access to criminal history of Individuals with basic search functions.
FASTER INVESTIGATION THROUGH TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS?
Yes, faster investigation is possible,There is a misconception that forensics is limited to only laboratories. Forensics are of great assistance while understanding the circumstances of death and collecting evidence. In the same way, digital forensics examines electronic evidence collected in the process of investigation. Both aspects of forensic involve a lot of technology for accurate results. These are useful not only in criminal matters but also in an internal investigation in civil matters as well. Electronic Identification is a method through which the police can identify a person easily. This identification can be done through a number of routes. It can be through mobile number, Permanent Account Number, bank account number, driving license, etc. The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a navigation system that helps in location tracking. It can track the device and its information no matter where the device is located on earth. This can help police in sting operations and better investigations. Moreover,The Government of Uttar Pradesh has developed an app called Staqua which uses machine learning, deep learning, visual search, and face-recognition for assisting the Police department. This app helps in storing and carrying information about criminals. It also helps in identifying not only a criminal but also the gang members. Further, it provides for information retrieval during investigations. The startup has helped to solve more than 400 cases. The National Centre of Excellence in Technology for Internal Security has been set up by the Government in collaboration with IIT Bombay for developing technology and self-sufficiency in the internal security of the country.
FAIR TRIAL IN CRIMINAL MATTERS WITH THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY?
The use of technology can be of great help in fair trials absolurely,however It was also suggested by the former Chief Justice of India that legal aid, which is an essential part of a fair trial, means access to justice. Access to justice can only be truly achieved when not only law professionals but also the common mass understand their rights. This can be better achieved when legal literacy is preached through technology. He suggested an app so that education can touch masses. In conclusion, the use of technology in modern criminal investigations has significantly improved the capabilities of law enforcement agencies. It has made the investigation process more efficient, accurate, and faster, leading to a higher success rate in solving crimes. However, it is essential to strike a balance between the use of technology and protecting the rights of individuals. With proper training, oversight, and ethical guidelines, the use of technology can continue to revolutionize criminal investigations and help bring criminals to justice.
PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED IN THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY:
One of the main problems encountered in the use of technology in criminal investigations is the issue of data security and privacy. With the vast amount of data being collected and stored, there is a growing concern about how this information is being used, who has access to it, and how it is being protected from unauthorized access. Maintaining the delicate balance between using technology to solve crimes and safeguarding individual privacy rights remains a significant challenge for law enforcement agencies. Another issue that arises from the use of technology in criminal investigations is the digital divide. Not all law enforcement agencies have equal access to the latest technological tools and resources due to budget constraints or lack of training. This disparity can hinder the effectiveness of investigations and create unequal outcomes for different jurisdictions. Ensuring that all law enforcement agencies have access to the necessary technology and training is essential to promoting fairness and justice in the criminal justice system. Moreover, the rapid pace of technological advancements presents a continual challenge for law enforcement agencies. Criminals are constantly adapting and utilizing new technologies to commit crimes, such as cybercrimes, which require specialized skills and tools to investigate. Keeping up with these rapid changes and ensuring that investigators are equipped with the knowledge and resources to tackle emerging technologies is an ongoing challenge in modern criminal investigations.
USE OF BIG DATA ANALYTICS IN CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS:
Big data analytics has revolutionized criminal investigations, providing law enforcement agencies with powerful tools to analyze vast amounts of data and extract valuable insights. In today’s digital age, enormous volumes of data are generated daily from various sources, including social media, financial transactions, telecommunications, and IoT devices. Law enforcement agencies harness this data to uncover hidden connections, patterns, and trends that aid in solving crimes, identifying suspects, and preventing criminal activities. Advanced analytics techniques, such as machine learning and predictive modeling, enable investigators to sift through massive datasets quickly, flag suspicious behavior, and prioritize leads for further investigation. For example, social network analysis can reveal relationships between individuals involved in criminal activities, while financial transaction analysis can uncover money laundering schemes or illicit financial transactions. Additionally, geospatial analysis allows investigators to map crime hotspots, track the movement of suspects, and deploy resources effectively. By integrating disparate datasets and leveraging cutting-edge analytics tools, law enforcement agencies can gain actionable intelligence, enhance situational awareness, and make datadriven decisions in criminal investigations. However, the use of big data analytics in criminal investigations also raises ethical and privacy concerns, particularly regarding the collection, storage, and sharing of sensitive personal information. Therefore, it is imperative for law enforcement agencies to adhere to strict data protection regulations, ensure transparency in their investigative practices, and uphold the rights of individuals while harnessing the power of big data analytics to combat crime effectively.
FUTURE TRENDS IN TECHNOLOGICAL TOOLS FOR CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION:
The future of technological tools for criminal investigations is poised for significant advancements, driven by rapid technological innovation and evolving law enforcement needs. One prominent trend is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms into investigative processes, enabling law enforcement agencies to analyze vast amounts of data more efficiently and derive actionable insights. Predictive analytics models will become increasingly sophisticated, allowing investigators to anticipate criminal activities, identify emerging threats, and allocate resources strategically. Moreover, advancements in biometric technologies, such as gait recognition and DNA analysis, will enhance the accuracy and reliability of suspect identification, aiding in the apprehension of perpetrators and the exoneration of innocent individuals. Additionally, the proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and the widespread adoption of smart city technologies will generate a wealth of digital evidence, ranging from sensor data to surveillance footage, providing investigators with rich sources of information to reconstruct crime scenes and track criminal behavior. Virtual and augmented reality technologies will revolutionize crime scene reconstruction and forensic analysis, enabling investigators to visualize complex scenarios and interact with digital evidence in immersive environments. Furthermore, blockchain technology holds promise for ensuring the integrity and authenticity of digital evidence, enhancing chain of custody procedures, and preventing tampering or manipulation of data. However, along with these advancements come challenges and ethical considerations, including concerns about data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the potential for misuse of surveillance technologies. Therefore, as technological tools continue to evolve, it is essential for law enforcement agencies to prioritize transparency, accountability, and adherence to legal and ethical standards to ensure that the benefits of innovation are balanced with the protection of individual rights and liberties. By leveraging emerging technologies responsibly and ethically, law enforcement agencies can enhance their investigative capabilities, improve public safety, and uphold the principles of justice in the digital age.
CONCLUSION:
In conclusion, while technology has brought about much advancement in modern criminal investigations, it also presents a range of problems and challenges. Addressing issues such as data security, the digital divide, technological advancements, and digital evidence management is essential to harnessing the full potential of technology in solving crimes. By recognizing these issues and working towards solutions, law enforcement agencies can improve their capabilities and enhance the effectiveness of criminal investigations in the digital era.
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Article by :Sowmya.R
