Today, technology continues to transform forensic science. Practitioners in this discipline are moving away from traditional tools and approaches as they embrace modern technology. Technology has particularly revolutionized criminal profiling. Investigators have integrated scientific principles into the profiling process. As a result of the adoption of technology, criminal profiling and forensic science have become more reliable. The emergence of new types of crimes is the main factor that has inspired the increasing integration of modern technologies. Going forward, technology is likely to play an even more prominent role in forensic science.
In his article, Ray Yepes (2016) offers readers a look into the evolution of technology in the work of investigators. He notes that in previous years, criminal profiling involved using the senses to identify the perpetrators behind crimes. Investigators relied on such senses as their eyes to observe crime scenes with the goal of understanding how the crime was committed. While the senses continue to play a critical role, modern technology is emerging as a more reliable approach to criminal profiling and forensic science. Apart from observation, investigators used such other resources as witness testimony, confessions and physical evidence to solve cases (Rogers, 2003). As is the case with observations, these resources still play critical roles in investigations. However, modern technology has gained increasing prominence as it is relied on in nearly all facets of forensic science and criminal profiling.
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To gain a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of technology in forensic science and criminal profiling, it is necessary to examine key milestones. The development of fingerprinting technology is one of the key developments that laid the foundation for the adoption of technology into criminal investigation. Thanks to the work of Henry Faulds and William James Herschel, the uniqueness of fingerprints was established (“Exploring the History”, n.d). The criminal justice community fully supported the work of Faulds and Herschel and this led to the acceptance of fingerprints as evidence. In the 19 th century, other developments in forensic and profiling technology were introduced into forensic investigations. These developments include document analysis, blood tests, photography for the identification of perpetrators and the use of microscopes (“Exploring the History”, n.d). While simple by today’s standards, these technologies improved the accuracy and reliability of investigations. The 20 th century saw forensic and profiling technology undergo further refinement and development. For example, during this period, such technologies as blood typing and DNA profiling were adopted as standard approaches in profiling. Today, it has become nearly impossible for forensic investigations to be conducted without the aid of technologies. Cyber forensics and DNA profiling play a more crucial role today than ever before.
That technology has revolutionized law enforcement is not in doubt. Police departments and other law enforcement organizations across the US rely on modern technologies for a wide range of applications. In general, the technologies have enhanced the work of law enforcement agents. For example, research shows that by integrating technology into their work, officers experience higher levels of job satisfaction, cooperation and are more effective (Koper et al., 2015). One of the uses of technologies is shielding officers against harm. There are particular situations that are dangerous and it is therefore unwise to send officers to address them. In such situations, such technologies as robotic cameras are deployed (Lawrence, 2018). Situations that cannot be accessed by humans are other areas where the robotic cameras can be employed. In addition to protecting officers, this technology also facilitates the collection of evidence and the gathering of general information.
Crime scene investigations are another area of law enforcement that has benefited immensely from the adoption of modern technology. Officers use technologies such as handheld lasers which allow for the chemical composition of different substances to be determined (Lawrence, 2018)s. DNA profiling is another technology that has enhanced crime scene investigation. Monitoring and tracking suspects and stolen items is another application of modern technology in law enforcement. Using technologies like automatic license plate recognition, officers are able to identify stolen vehicles and track the perpetrators of theft (Lawrence, 2018). The situation today contrasts sharply with the state of affairs in previous years when officers encountered danger and suffered frustration as they employed ineffective approaches in investigations.
Communication is a key component of the work of law enforcement agents. For these agents to be effective in fulfilling their mandate, they need to collaborate with other stakeholders. Modern technology has enhanced communication and collaboration (Koper et al., 2015). Through the adoption of technologies like digital devices, officers are able to communicate quickly and accurately. These technologies have also made it possible for officers from different jurisdictions to join forces in keeping communities secure. As these technologies undergo further refinement and adoption, law enforcement agencies should expect to become more effective.
In conclusion, law enforcement agencies work tirelessly to safeguard communities against threats. For years, these agencies have relied on updated approaches and tools. However, this is changing as more and more agencies embrace modern technology. The technology used in law enforcement has humble roots. In the 19 th and 20 th century, various stakeholders invested immense effort and resources to develop more sophisticated technologies. These technologies include DNA profiling and robotic cameras. Thanks to these technologies, officers communicate better and feel more satisfied with their jobs. Given the impact that the technology continues to have on law enforcement, it is important for greater investments to be committed to refining and incorporating the technologies into law enforcement.
References
Exploring the history of forensic science through the ages. (n.d). Incognito Forensic Foundation. Retrieved July 20, 2018 from
https://ifflab.org/history-of-forensic-science/
Koper, C. S., Lum, C., Willis, J. J., Woods, D.J., & Hibdon, J. (2015). Realizing the potential of Technology in policing. Center for Evidence-Based Crime Policy. Retrieved July 20, 2018 from http://cebcp.org/wp-content/technology/ImpactTechnologyFinalReport.pdf
Rogers, M. (2003). The role of criminal profiling in the computer forensics process. Computers And Security, 22 (4), 292-8.
Yepes, R. (2016). The art of profiling in a digital world . Police Chief Magazine. Retrieved July 20, 2018 from http://www.policechiefmagazine.org/the-art-of-profiling-in-a-digital-world/
