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Emerging technologies

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Emerging technologies

Over the past several decades, law enforcement agencies have employed several

technological innovations to increase operational efficiency and outcomes. It is more vital than

ever in these times of dwindling funds and heightened public interest in and criticism of law

enforcement. Despite this, there is still a lot that we do not know about the use of advanced

technology in law enforcement organizations, the factors that influence the selection of

technology, and how it is put to use. A knowledge base explaining how that technology is being

used; why and how law enforcement agencies select, enforce, and integrate new technology; and

whether or not technological innovation improves policing in a significant way for both the

agency and the community is necessary for addressing these problems.

The widespread availability of computers and other technological advancements has

significantly impacted criminal investigations. Biometrics, body cameras, crime mapping and

analytic tools have made police more transparent and held them accountable for their actions in

the field. However, technological advancements in forensics have been crucial to the successful

resolution of many cases. These include magnetic fingerprinting and automated identification

(AFIS), forensic link analysis software, high-speed ballistics photography, magnetic

fingerprinting, alternative light photography, three-dimensional forensic facial reconstructions,

and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). A safer and

more effective method for maintaining public safety is achieved when law enforcement

authorities utilize technology. As a result, law enforcement authorities may better do their tasks

and conduct investigations in real-time (Elawtalk, 2020). Using technology by law enforcement

organizations creates a more secure and efficient system for keeping the public safe. For law

enforcement, this means improved efficiency and the ability to close cases as they arise.
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Technology advancements like computers, software, and other systems have aided

legitimate businesses and organizations and benefited criminal enterprises. It is because

technological development requires interaction with the surrounding world. According to data

from the FBI's Crime Complaint Center, the number of recorded incidents of criminal conduct on

the internet rose from 262,813 in 2013 to 298,728 in 2016. Similarly, reported damages have

increased from $781.80 million in 2013 to $1.4 billion in 2016. The number of reports of identity

theft has also skyrocketed (from one hundred thousand to four hundred thousand since 2001).

Criminal activities formerly considered obsolete, such as credit card fraud, vehicle theft, and

identity theft, have been given new life due to technological developments. Sextortion, in which

victims are threatened with the release of private sexual photos unless they comply with the

perpetrator's demands, is one of the major crimes that arose due to technological advancements.

Synthetic identity theft, in which a new identity is created, thus enabling credit card skimming

(RTI International Police Executive Research Forum, 2016). The sale of sex, drugs, weapons, and

murder on the illicit "dark web" internet marketplace are all examples of how these technologies

have facilitated new types of crime.

Justin Larson, a computer scientist in his 30s, engaged in unlawful online activity. Larson

used encryption on his phone calls to help move drugs more efficiently. Larson met a Chinese

fentanyl dealer on the dark web after researching the different types of drugs and the mechanisms

for illegally selling them through digital means. There, he was able to have an intelligent

conversation with the dealer (GREENBELT,2017). The basic idea was that Larson needed to

communicate with the supplier. To achieve this, he would compose his communication on an

encrypted internet platform that generates a self-destructing link, then send that particular link to
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his supplier via encrypted internet-based e-mail systems and have that message destroyed after

receiving it. It was like every time Larson talked to his supplier.

In Larson's criminal case, computer technological advancement proved helpful to the

prosecution because it aided in investigation and evidence provision. Forensic investigators had

to conduct in-depth forensic digital investigations on Larson's communication devices and

interact with internet-based e-mail service providers. It was done to locate people related to

Larson to piece together the trail of digital evidence for Larson's case. In addition, the

investigators required several digital forensic investigations of Larson's mobile devices. The

investigation uncovered that his girlfriend was accepting packages delivered by TNT from a

Chinese distributor. His partner had accepted and signed for these packages. On January 25,

2017, the jury found Larson guilty of all charges against him, including possession or intended

possession of a controlled substance, conspiracy to distribute narcotics, and controlled

substance, distribution of a controlled substance and possession with intent to distribute

(GREENBELT,2017). One count of distributing a controlled substance was also found in his

favor. He will likely spend the rest of his life in prison.

As was seen in the preceding case, the rise of technology has allowed even low-level

criminals like Larson to communicate with multinational criminal groups. Despite this, every

wrongdoing has a human aspect at its core. Although technological progress may make it appear

otherwise, there is still a human operating the vehicle, and people are notoriously fallible. One

slip-up is all it takes for criminals to put your life in danger. Law enforcement activities have a

far more significant margin of error.

Law enforcement increasingly relies on new technologies to aid in their work. Drones,

plate readers, body cameras, and gunshot detection systems are tools used regularly to make the
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job safer. The question that needs to be posed is how law enforcement may employ the newly

liberated resources afforded by new technologies to better intervene in at-risk communities and

limit the development of criminal onset.

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References

Elawtalk, E. (23rd December 2020). How Does Technology Help Law Enforcement?

eLawTalk.com. https://elawtalk.com/how-does-technology-help-law-enforcement/

GREENBELT. (26th January 2017). Montgomery County man convicted for distribution of acetyl

fentanyl resulting in death. Montgomery County Man Convicted for Distribution of

Acetyl Fentanyl Resulting in Death | ICE.

https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/montgomery-county-man-convicted-distribution-

acetyl-fentanyl-resulting-death

RTI International Police Executive Research Forum. (2016). Research on the Impact of

Technology on Policing Strategy in the 21st Century.

https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/251140.pdf