80s & 90s Crime & Criminal Justice: Evolving Multidisciplinary Landscape - Essay Sample

Introduction

An analysis of the criminal and police procedurals of the 80s and 90s shows that there have been significant changes in crime, investigation, and crime-fighting skills and techniques. The expansion in the multidisciplinary nature in the US is attributable to the constant development of a multicultural society. As the communities protected by criminal justice professionals continue to evolve and diversify, the nature of crime is also changing. As such, criminal justice professionals must design methods to control crime that is more sophisticated and complex.

Future Directions of Crime Fighting

Technology is a major aspect in the future of crime fighting. Criminals are now utilizing the newly developed technologies to commit crime and evade surveillance. As such, criminal justice professionals must constantly seek complex and more developed technologies and software to successfully combat the sophisticated crime. In recent times, information technologies have been utilized both in the prevention of crime and in general administration. Recent policing technologies in application include GIS, network analysis, biometrics, crime mapping, speech recognition, facial recognition, DNA research, fingerprints, CCTV, and ShotSpotter detection. These tools are currently vital in law enforcement and will also form a critical part in the future of criminology.

The social implications of the technological advancements in law enforcement might include concerns about privacy, personal freedom, free speech, data integrity, and security among others. Legal precedent is often lacking, raising concerns on privacy and security (Hollywood et al. 2018). According to the First and Fourth constitutional amendments, each American is accorded a right against unwarranted seizures and searches and freedom of speech. However, the amendments have no provisions on the rights of citizens in light of technological advancements and electronic communication.

Potential for Crime Fighting Methodologies

Biometrics

Biometric systems are gradually replacing traditional token-based and password authentication systems. The increased success of biometrics is attributable to recognition accuracy and security (Yang et al. 2019). The main features of biometric systems have increased their applications across different domains including law enforcement, financial services, consumer biometrics, and border controls. The biometric trait with the highest level of significance is fingerprint recognition. Fingerprint-based recognition bears the highest level of accuracy as biometrics differ significantly even between identical twins. Biometric systems will enjoy vast applications in the future given the advancements that are already being witnessed. Such advancements include biometric cryptosystems, use of cancelable biometrics, and template protections, all of which are geared towards increasing security and accuracy.

Cybercrime Spyware

Law enforcement has adopted several measures to apprehend and track individuals who engage in cybercrime. However, the potential for such spyware is low given the different avenues and dynamics of cybercrime. The major purpose of the spyware is to identify the IP addresses relating to offending comments, emails, and posts and tracking them (Gray, Citron, & Rinehart, 2013). Another feature includes the identification of Media Control Access (MAC) addresses of computers used to propagate these crimes. In addition, data screens are utilized in the evaluation of Internet traffic, while proprietary software is used in tracking the source of offensive images posted on social platforms. The shortfalls of using these processes include the use of public computers in cafes and libraries by criminals. Also, criminals increasingly use software such as Tor to enhance anonymity, thus propagating cyber harassment (Gray et al. 2013). These tactics render the IP and MAC addresses useless as they cannot be tracked to a specific computer, and when they can, it might be a public computer.

DNA Collection Programs

DNA collection programs have played a critical role in guiding conviction and exoneration. Presently, there are databases containing DNA information that are available for use by law enforcers. DNA collection programs have experienced growth in the last few years and are set to contribute significantly in the future. DNA testing protocols are set to increase in speed given the adoption of rapid DNA instruments that utilize paid PCR amplifiers, DNA extraction, genotyping, sizing, detection, and separation (Butler, 2015). Also, the continuous improvements in technology and sensitivity will enhance the retrieval of higher amounts of information and content from biological evidence.

Evolving Law Enforcement and Forensic Technologies

Law enforcement techniques are constantly evolving with more advanced tools being used in investigation and crime solution. The advancement of technology has enabled traditional techniques to be used in a more effective manner in controlling crime. Network analysis is a recent development in crime fighting that makes use of an individual's social networks to generate clues that can be used in the detection of a planned criminal activity. Data from social platforms such as Facebook and traffic data from emails and telephone is critical in the crime solution (Fatih, & Bekir, 2015). GIS is also a vital tool in modern crime solution. It comprises of a set of tools that enhance the collection, storage, analysis, and presentation of crime data.

A key aspect in the evolution of law enforcement revolves around the use of biometrics. Biometrics are technologies that process the unique characteristics of individuals including voice patterns, DNA composition, and fingerprints and are thus vital in identification (Fatih, & Bekir, 2015). Face recognition and speech recognition technologies are important in the identification and comparison of criminal profiles. The evolution of social media has also proved to be a critical aspect in law enforcement. Social media has made it possible to share accurate crime data in real time, hence guiding law enforcers in investigation processes. In the solution of gun crimes, the ShotSpotter detection system has proved to be a vital technological addition. The technology enhances the installation of sensors in crime-prone areas to facilitate the detection of gunfire. Lastly, high incidences have prompted law enforcement agencies to install closed-circuit television cameras (CCTV) in numerous locations.

Civil Liberty or Ethical Violations Relating to Technological Evolution

The technological evolution in criminology poses serious concerns about privacy. For example, the installation of tracking and monitoring devices such as CCTV and GIS in different locations is a violation of constitutional rights to privacy (Peny, 2012). Most of the surveillance happens without the knowledge of the citizens, making it a form of intrusion. These devices might reveal the activities occurring in homes, thus violating the Fourth amendment.

Use of facial recognition technology involves processing an individual's image against a database, which generates any financial or biographical information relating to the image. The use of FRT gives rise to ethical questions as it violates an individual's right to anonymity. FRT cameras are located in most major places in the US, and individual's faces and movements are tracked without consent (Peny, 2012). Other technologies such as the use of GPS lack legal guidance from the Supreme Court or the Congress, leading to abuse.

Effects on Social Policy and Policymaking

The evolution of crime fighting and adoption of technology by law enforcers requires a change of tact in crime policy and social policy. There is a need to embrace the science of controlling disorder and criminal activities, through what is known as evidence-based policing. Evidence-based policing enhances the development, implementation, and evaluation of proactive strategies to control crime (Bueermann, 2012). This strategy is far more beneficial than the previous methods that were response-driven, which made it difficult to prevent the occurrence of crime. Also, this strategy is critical as criminal activities are continuously evolving with technology, reducing the capacity of law enforcement agencies to make amends and fight crime.

The evolution of technologies has a great impact on national and international policymaking. While countries with developed technology might be successful in combating crime, countries with limited technological resources might suffer increased crime. Therefore, there is a need to develop international databases and networks that assist in the identification of criminals and criminal activities across the globe. The law enforcement agencies in different countries should work together and exchange crime data and technology to reduce crime globally.

Therefore, as discussed in this paper, the criminal world is changing, making it necessary for law enforcement to keep up and eventually surpass it. The advancements in technology are crucial in controlling crime, particularly terrorism and violent crimes. However, there is a need for the government to review the legal provisions guiding law enforcement and as such develop strategies to address ethical and civil liberty concerns arising from the advancements.

References

Bueermann, J. (2012). Being smart on crime with evidence-based policing. Retrieved from https://www.nij.gov/journals/269/pages/evidence.aspx

Butler, J. M. (2015). The future of forensic DNA analysis. Philosophical transactions of the royal society B: biological sciences, 370(1674), 20140252.

Fatih, T., & Bekir, C. (2015). Police use of technology to fight against crime. European scientific journal, 11(10).

Gray, D., Citron, D. K., & Rinehart, L. C. (2013). Fighting Cybercrime After United States v. Jones. J. Crim. L. & Criminology, 103, 745.

Hollywood, J. S., Woods, D., Lauland, A., Jackson, B. A., & Silberglitt, R. (2018). Emerging Technology Trends and Their Impact on Criminal Justice.

Peny, L. J. (2012). Technology ethics for law enforcement. Am Int J Contemp Res, 2, 124-33.

Yang, W., Wang, S., Hu, J., Zheng, G., & Valli, C. (2019). Security and accuracy of fingerprint-based biometrics: A review. Symmetry, 11(2), 141.