Technology is rapidly changing, affecting how criminal investigations are conducted. While criminals use more sophisticated technology to carry out crimes, law enforcement increasingly uses technological tools to combat crime. By harnessing the power of modern technologies, criminal investigators can effectively gather evidence and analyze data necessary in the criminal justice system (Osterburg & Ward, 2013). For instance, data mining allows investigators to uncover previously undetectable patterns and relationships in data that can be used to identify suspects and establish connections between suspects and victims or accomplices. Data collection in criminal investigations has created a large pool of data stored in databases where investigators can quickly identify suspects. The rise of big data has increased identification systems in the criminal justice system, allowing law enforcement to access criminal history through a basic search. Additionally, biometric technologies have increased effectiveness in authenticating individuals and quickly tracking suspects.
Further, new technologies have provided criminal investigators with additional investigative capabilities. Technologies such as facial recognition have made it easier to identify suspects and track their movements quickly. Also, surveillance cameras can capture certain events, providing police officers with important leads and valuable insights into the investigation process. Also, new technologies in the investigation process, such as forensic science DNA, have increased efficiency in criminal investigations (Hess et al., 2016). Using more personal evidence, such as bloodstain analysis of the DNA makeup and other evidence, such as hairs found in the crime, creates room for more accurate analysis, ensuring that innocent people are not falsely accused, and responsible culprits are held accountable (Casey, 2019). Utilizing computer forensics in cybercrime investigations has also increased efficiency in solving these crimes.
Social media platforms have increasingly revolutionized communication among law enforcement authorities. It is now easier to share information and other data types within an investigative team or law enforcement agency. Effective communication is paramount in a criminal investigation, as it increases the chances that a crime will be solved more efficiently (Ogle & Plotkin, 2012). Changes in technology are revolutionizing the field of criminal investigations, hence law enforcement’s effectiveness in fighting crime.
Technological changes in criminal investigations will most likely affect future investigators. As technologies change, the criminal investigator’s role may also vary. Criminal investigators must be up to date with emerging technologies to use the tools properly and efficiently to solve crimes (Osterburg & Ward, 2013). Investigators will no longer be able to use traditional tools for conducting investigations and will need to adapt to changing technologies. Hence, law enforcement unable to keep up with these technologies will likely be affected. In addition, technologies will most likely become increasingly automated, impacting the investigation process. For instance, forensic imaging techniques such as facial recognition will likely become the means of identifying and tracking suspects.
Also, data mining will become more advanced and be used as the primary tool for generating potential leads. DNA profiling will be more sophisticated and use advanced technologies to identify suspects. The automation of investigative processes will also likely lead to the use of artificial intelligence (AI). AI will mostly be used to gather evidence and analyze data, providing investigators with more accurate predictions. Using these types technology will help investigators determine crime patterns and predict the likelihood of individuals committing certain crimes (Osterburg & Ward, 2013). By doing so, law enforcement can devise ways to prevent crimes before they happen, creating a safer society.
Investigators will benefit significantly from emerging technologies, as advances in investigative tools will help make the process easier, faster, and more effective. While changing technologies will provide investigators with valuable tools for solving crimes, they will also pose a challenge as their roles will be affected as technologies will automate some activities (Osterburg & Ward, 2013). It will also be a challenge to keep up with the new technologies, especially for individuals who have advanced in age.