Introduction
Law enforcement agencies have taken advantage of technological advancements to sophisticate their operations. The application of computers in policing has developed significantly. Several forms of information systems have been integrated into police work with the aim of promoting law and order in society. Concerning this, computer systems are used in a variety of ways. First, databases are important in the containment of information relevant to the functions of law enforcement in government agencies. This includes the recording of state individual data. Biometric data can be connected to the web as an integral step in the establishment of networks of intelligence. Additionally, the advancement of computer technology has diversified the manner in which law enforcement agents communicate among themselves (Stroshine, 2015). The implications of technological advancement in law enforcement have a two-fold effect: both advantages and disadvantages can be cited as far as the use of computer systems in social control is concerned.
Summary of disadvantages
The advancement of computer technology has some demerits regarding the implementation of law enforcement objectives. First, the aspect of privacy discredits some of the methodologies used by law enforcement agencies to partake their activities. Computer forensics has been blamed on various privacy infringement cases (Baartmans, 2014). Current concerns surround the manner in which computer forensics will affect the integrity of computer owners’ information in the future. Reports have highlighted the significant scale in legal concerns about the rapid emergence of complaints about the infringement of people’s privacy. Regarding this, some cases of crime investigation jeopardize people’s right to privacy during forensic study. The dismissal of court cases may still not cushion affected individuals from the effects of data insecurity.
The advancement of computer technology has raised the costs of managing law enforcement initiatives. Particularly, computer forensics is an expensive venture that stretches state resources. First, the economic value of crime investigation laboratories can be enormous. This surrounds procedural and inventory costs that include the creation and sustenance of computer systems. Additionally, the analytical tools demanded by such establishments need technical competence. This prompts states to advance the training of their personal with an emphasis on continuous professional development. Such programs are economically intensive and may hinder the prolonged maintenance of law enforcement frameworks.
Another disadvantage is the possibility of data corruption during forensic studies. Research outcomes echo the probable occurrence of data destruction when law enforcement agencies perform forensic functions. Various issues are notable in this case. For example, an investigator may alter the integrity of original data in their attempt to retrieve important information that is critical to an investigation. This occurrence would otherwise affect the course of a forensic study and mislead the possible prosecution of crime suspects. The verification of obtained data is also a matter of concern. Investigators may be misinformed through data retrieval attempts made on hard drives and other storage media. Criminals may exploit this loophole to cover up their tracks after commissioning a particular crime.
Internet-facilitated sexual offending case example
The nature of the internet has establish ample grounds for the propagation of criminal activities. Currently, various computer technologies are used to advance criminal activities. Sexual offenders have taken on the internet to fulfil their predatory desires. This aspect has escalated to scales that occur beyond the boundaries of geographical and cultural context. Sexual offenders can lure their victims online and go on to perform atrocities under the nose of law enforcement agencies. A significant issue in this case is child pornography that has become rampant in various regions of the world with diverse legal environments. Sadly, the extent of internet applications has greatly affected the integration of information to curb this vice.
A classic example of a case involving internet-facilitated sexual offending featured the death of Carly Ryan in 2007 (Karklins, 2012). Concerning this case, a father and son were implicated in the murder of the teenager. Gary Newman, the sexual predator, used fake internet identities to lure teenage girls into his sex ring. It is alleged that Ryan became romantically involved with the online alter ego who she thought to be “Brandon Kane”. Carly Ryan’s subsequent meetings with the supposed online boyfriend ended fatally after she rejected Newman for being “too old”. The prosecutors found that the suspect lured Carly into a deserted location and killed her. The confessions of the offender’s son further incriminated Gary Newman, who was sentenced to life in prison.
Application of computer technology in crime investigation
Nevertheless, some cases of the application of computers have augmented efforts in crime scene investigation. In the case of State vs. Michelle Theer, email histories were used to prosecute the suspect on allegations of conspiring to commit murder (Morgan, 2005). The 2000 case was complicated by the inadequacy of evidence to tie the suspect to the murder of her husband. The death of Marty There could not be associated with any physical evidence of eyewitness accounts that would bring the perpetrators to justice. However, prosecutors impounded emails that would expose Theer’s conspiracy to kill her husband. After this discovery, There was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison.
Conclusion
Regarding the above illustrations, the relevance of computer technology in law enforcement is significant. Even though both advantages and disadvantages exist, Computer systems have provided an efficient means of executing the objectives of law enforcement in modern society.
References
Baartmans, C., Meuwly, D., & Kosta, E. (2014). Privacy of fingermarks data in forensic science: forensic evaluation and individual data protection.
Karklins, L., & Dalton, D. (2012). Social networking sites and the dangers they pose to youth: Some Australian findings. Current Issues Crim. Just.,24, 205.
Morgan, D. T. (2005). Murder Along the Cape Fear: A North Carolina Town in the Twentieth Century. Mercer University Press.
Stroshine, M. S. (2015). Technological Innovations in Policing. Critical Issues in Policing: Contemporary Readings, 911, 229.
