Technology is a blessing and a curse when it comes to law enforcement. Every facet of law enforcement has some kind of computer program associated with it, from DNA testing to license plate recognition. On the flip side, criminals are finding new ways to manipulate technology to break the law. Technology will play an essential role in maintaining law and order in the future. Here are a few areas of law enforcement where it will have a great impact.

 

1. Biometric Technology

The possibilities for biometric implants are vast. Devices like retina scans are already being used by government agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and biometric implants take this one step further. Biometric technology will allow for tighter control of information held within computer systems and it will also allow for better tracking of suspects.

2. Thermal Imaging

This technology allows the user to detect people by identifying their body heat. It has mainly been used by the military but is becoming more prevalent in local law enforcement. 

Thermal imaging makes it almost impossible for criminals to escape, even under the cover of darkness. It also allows officers to see people approaching them at night, and has been used with great success to detect marijuana farms.

3. Databases and Information Exchange

One of the most important technological tools in the field today is the computer database which is used extensively for DNA testing and fingerprints. There are also â€œhot spot” mapping programs which can distinguish which areas of a city are safe and which are prone to crime.

According to a January 2012 news report, the decline in the crime rate since 1960s is primarily associated with information exchange. The report cites the improvement of such technologies as fingerprinting for the decline. 

4. Detection and Positioning Systems

• Robots and flying drones- Robots can largely take the place of humans in dangerous situations, such as diffusing bombs. Drones can give law enforcement a bird’s eye view of crime scenes.
• Gunshot detection system (GDS) - This system of electronic sensors installed in high-crime areas helps police quickly determine where gun shots originate.
• GPS and GIS systems- Officers use GPS/GIS in many ways, from getting to a scene to pinpointing where a suspect is located. GIS can also be used to track police vehicles so departments always know where they are located.
• Automatic License Plate Recognition (ALPR) - Cameras inside of police cars can automatically run every license plate it sees. An officer immediately knows if the car is stolen or if the driver has warrants out for his or her arrest.

5. Wearable Video Cameras

This is one of the most controversial issues in law enforcement today. Once, video cameras were so large and cumbersome that equipping police officers with them was impractical. Today, cameras are compact and powerful, and are beginning to be implemented all over the United States. 

There are arguments to be made on both sides: Proponents against the cameras argue that it is an invasion of privacy. Those who are for them say they can go a long way toward curtailing abuse of power by police officers.

There will always be criminals that seek to manipulate technology and break the law. As the world becomes more technology advanced, so will its criminals. Law enforcement will have to stay one step ahead in to maintain order. If you’d like to get on the front lines of this exciting and important work, consider earning a degree in Criminal Justice. At ECPI University, you can earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice in just 2.5 years through the University’s year-round program.

 

 

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