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TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATION PAPER

Technology and Communication

Roxabel Perez Garcia
CJA/304
March 10, 2015
Ross Horne

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TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATION PAPER

Technology and Communication

Communication is an essential component in the Criminal Justice System. Technology
has progressed during the last several years, enhancing the methods associated with
communication all over the world. Within the Criminal Justice System, the development ability
of technology has benefited communications of specialized databases such as the (AFIS)
Automated Fingerprint Identification System and Iris Scan.
The (AFIS) Automated Fingerprint Identification System is a database that consists of
different types of data that helps law enforcement organizations identify and find a person whose
information is on the database due to previous arrests. These types of identifying data consist of
fingerprints, criminal history, images of scars, and tattoos as well for any physical attributes
(height, eye color, and hair color). AFIS database is used by many levels of law enforcement to
assist in handling crimes, capturing criminals and avoiding crimes. AFIS houses the fingerprints
and criminals history of approximately 70 million subjects, as well for approximately 73,000
known and suspected terrorist (The Federal Bureau of Investigations).
Due to many delays in fingerprint submissions on fingerprint cards that would require
two to three weeks to a few months to examine AFIS became operational in July 1999 [Awkward
and vague phrasingPlease rewrite for greater clarity.] . Since then AFIS was [Delete; use has
been] able to scan a fingerprint within minutes including providing information of millions of
people within the database. Being that fingerprints are distinctive to every individual. [Beware
of sentence fragments in the essay. Please check Sentence Fragments in the Grammar Mechanics
section of the Grammar and Writing Guides in Center for Writing Excellence to correct sentence
fragments.] The AFIS has also enhanced the capability to communicate with law enforcement

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organizations on resolving crimes, arresting criminals and clearing of suspects. [Add how this
was accomplished]
In addition, another technology that is highly utilized in the Criminal Justice is the Iris
Scan. A method of biometric identification that recognizes a person by analyzing the random
pattern of an iris, which is used to determined [Check Spelling] the identity of a subject or
suspect is also used for security reasons within the law agencies. The Iris Scan allows officer to
see if the subject has already been processed in the database also has access to see if the person
has a criminal background as well for allowing local, state, and federal organizations and other
jurisdictions to have access to the same forms of information. Today, the FBI uses the Iris Scan
for the access to high-security banks, laboratories, and for iris recognition in jails to monitor
inmates (Nextgov). Police officers are planning on using this technology on the road , a way to
instantly identify their suspects. Police officers will use a special iris scanning camera that
identifies 235 unique features of the suspect [Awkward and vague phrasingPlease rewrite for
greater clarity.] . It has also been considered by Correctional Facilities after an inmate escaped
assuming the identity of another inmate that was on parole (Blogs.Wsj).
The Iris Scan as well for the (AFIS) Automated Fingerprint Identification System is a
technology that provides high amounts of information at a click of a button. Both technologies
Assists law enforcement officials with identifying a suspect criminal background and identity as
well for enhancing the communication between all agencies of the law. Also both the Iris Scan
and AFIS purpose is to recognize a persons true identity.
In todays society technology is a major factor that has its positives and negatives effects
on communication. Within the Criminal Justice System technologies such as cell phones,

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TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATION PAPER

Biometrics, AFIS, mobile data, etc is a technical advance that has improved communications and
safety within officers and agencies. A beneficial aspect that has made the ability of storing large
amounts of information and data as well with the communications of local , state , and federal
officials making it more efficient on exchanging information. The more technology advances we
become more dependent to it. Negative effects are that the older generation will have to keep up
with the new generation as far as communication. [Add the initial cost and upkeep of such
equipment.] Technology and its ongoing advances and changes that mean society need to keep
up with it. Technology also effects of nonverbal communication as well for social interactions.
Also these technologies are costly to obtain and maintain. Positively law enforcement
organizations may decrease a significant number of errors encountered by the use of technology.
Also promotes faster decision-making, access to information and no barriers in ways of
communicating. Technology in the Criminal Justice System helps improve communication and
work capabilities. A few negative effects of technology are the ongoing advances and changes
that mean society need to keep up with it.

There are a few specialized technologies that I would use, but one in particular would be
the (AFIS) Automated Fingerprint Identification because its a technology thats beneficial to the
Criminal Justice System. It assist officers to access all information on a persons criminal history
not just a fingerprint but all different characteristics of an individual which helps in identifying a
suspect as well for clearing suspects of a crime which is very important for the people .
In conclusion, the AFIS and the Iris Scan are a both new and advanced technology that
has made an impact in the Criminal Justice assisting and providing large amounts of data that has

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enhanced the communication among agencies to work together. As technology advances and
continues to grow, it is a fact that society has become dependent upon it, but it's also a fact that it
has been beneficial in ways of communication with our peers, family, friends, and co-workers.
Technology has made an impact in society giving us access to tools that helps us communicate
efficiently and most important it has helped the Criminal Justice System in apprehending
individuals and keeping the community safe.

Referenes:
Find Biometrics Global Identity Management. (2012). Iris Scanners & Recognition
. Retrieved from http://www.findbiometrics.com/iris-recognition/
Aliya, S. (2012). Nextgov. Retrieved from http://www.nextgov.com/emerging-tech/2012/06/eyecrime-fbi-building-database-iris-scans/56481/
Policeone.com. (2009). Retrieved from http://www.policeone.com/police-products/investigation/articles/1802754-AllAbout-Integrated-Automated-Fingerprint-Identification-System-IAFIS/
Federal Bureau of Investitations. (). Retrieved from http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/fingerprints_biometrics/iafis/iafis
Steel, E. (2011). Blogs.WsJ. Retrieved from http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2011/07/13/how-a-new-police-tool-for-facerecognition-works/

Written Assignment

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Grading Form
Week 4 Technology and Communication

Content 7

All key elements of the assignment are

covered in a substantive way. Major points
are stated clearly; are supported by
specific details, examples, or analysis.

Explain how technology affects the

communication capabilities of specialized
databases in the criminal justice field.
Compare at least two types of specialized
databases;
Mobile Data Terminals
AFIS
Live Scan
Facial Recognition
Iris Scan
Positive effects of new technologies on
communication.
Negative effects of new technologies on
communication.
Discuss what new specialized technologies
you might want you use and why.
1,050 to 1,750 word paper.
The paper links theory to relevant
examples and uses the vocabulary of the
theory correctly.

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o
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Organization 1.5

Points Earned: 6
NAME: Roxabel Perez Garcia
Comments:
Key elements were covered.
Central theme was developed and
maintained.
Good examples were given.
Paper did not meet the word count
requirement. Your paper was 961 words,
requirement was 1,050 which does not
include title or reference page.

Points Earned: 1.5

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TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATION PAPER

The tone is appropriate to the content and

assignment.

The introduction provides a sufficient

background on the topic and previews
major points.

Paragraph transitions are present, logical,

and maintain the flow throughout the
paper.

Comments:
Tone was appropriate for the subject
matter.
Paragraph transition was good.

The conclusion is logical, flows from the

body of the paper, and reviews the major
points.
Mechanics 1.5

The paperincluding tables and graphs,

headings, title page, and reference page
is consistent with APA formatting
guidelines and meets course-level
requirements.

Intellectual property is recognized with intext citations and a reference page.

Rules of spelling, grammar, usage, and

punctuation are followed.

Points Earned: .75

Comments:
Paper met APA standards.
Spelling or grammar errors were noted.
Sentence structure could have been better.

Sentences are complete, clear, concise,

and varied.
Total Point Earned: 8.25
Comments: A very good paper. Proof read your paper and;

Look at the structure and mechanics of each sentence. Does the sentence communicate
clearly and in as few words as possible your ideas?
Should I explain a detail or point more clearly?