Criminal Justice Technology Research Paper

People have an idea of how law enforcement works but rarely ever think of how much technology affects it, and how much it keep them safe and keep their kids safe. The world changes every single day so consequently law enforcement has to keep up, for example 30 years ago there were no such things as cyber crimes but today there are all new laws and technology to prevent and protect against these crimes. Some innovations were much needed and sought after and others were spontaneous and groundbreaking. It is used in almost every aspect of the system from crime scene investigation to tactical operations and simple patrol. Looking at the past, present and future of criminal justice technology it’s incredible to see how far it has come. Technology
For example DNA has revolutionized criminal justice forever. DNA is your unique genetic build up, when you commit a crime you may leave behind biological evidence and this is collected by the police crime scene unit. First is body fluids, it is very common for criminals to get nervous while committing a crime and sweat, spit, or vomit at the scene. To identify and collect these pieces of evidence, a CSI might use smear slides, a scalpel, tweezers, scissors, a UV light, protective eyewear and luminol. Second is a finger print, everyones are unique and when you touch something you leave your print behind. At a crime scene you would find different types of finger prints including Visible which is left by the transfer of blood, paint or another fluid or powder onto a surface that is smooth enough to hold the print and is visible to the naked eye. Molded which is left in a soft medium like soap, putty or candle wax, forming an impression and lastly Latent which is left by the transfer of sweat and natural oils from the fingers onto a surface that is smooth enough to hold the print and is not visible to the naked eye. A CSI would use brushes, powders, tape, chemicals, lift cards, a magnifying glass and Super
This is a computerized system that contains records of fingerprints, mug shots, scar and tattoo photos, height, weight and appearance descriptions and criminal histories and aliases. These programs are great but what about the cops who work on the street? Today most patrol cars are equipped with high tech computers which allow police officers to search incident reports search tag numbers and do warrants checks. They are also equipped with GPS which could save an officers life if he was in a situation which required other units to find him. Another example of technology is the use of cameras. In this day and age when you go out you are filmed many different times and you don’t even know it. Store security cameras, red light cameras, and home surveillance cameras and not to mention almost everyone has a cell phone equipped with cameras and video recorders, if you commit a crime out in the open, more likely then not you have been recorded multiple times. This has changed law enforcement forever because eye witnesses are nice but a picture is worth a thousand words. Another example is when you have a crime that involves a gun the crime scene unit will come and try to find gun shot residue. Gun shot residue is composed of burnt and unburnt particles from the explosive primer, the propellant, as well as components from the bullet, the cartridge case and the firearm used. This collection of evidence can help investigators