Technology has changed the face of crime in society today. In these technological advancements, there have also been changes to the ways in which crimes are solved. Many crimes are not easily solved through technology; however, some can be. This article attempts to describe how technology changes the abilities to solve crimes and what we can expect in the future.
What are some of the technologies changing the ability to solve crimes?
So what are some of the key ways technology is changing the ability to solve crimes? Let’s take a look.
- Digital Forensic Tools
Today, a digital forensics tool can make it possible to catch criminals who operate online. Criminals have always been a step ahead to solve crimes. But now, with the use of technology, crimes are being solved by police forces around the world. With digital forensic tools, police can extract encrypted and inaccessible data from mobile phones and other electronic devices to find out who’s responsible for any crime. Police can also use technology to track down criminals by examining their financial records.
Digital forensics is an important part of the criminal justice system. The investigation of cybercrimes, especially, requires a detailed understanding of how computers work and how they store data. Digital forensic investigators examine things like computer drives and cell phones to find evidence of a crime.
- Data Mapping
In the past, investigators had to rely on witnesses to point out where a crime occurred or even where a body was located. Sometimes, witnesses would describe the area, but then, law enforcement would have to find and interview other individuals who may have been at the scene. However, with data mapping technology, solutions for solving crimes are becoming more complex.
With data mapping and GPS technology, pinpointing the location of a crime scene has become much more manageable. And, it is not just about finding a crime scene either; this information can help law enforcement determine if there is any pattern in where and when the crimes are occurring. And agencies can use this leading technology to track down suspects.
- Facial Recognition Technology
Facial recognition technology is one of the most exciting advances in crime-fighting. Facial recognition software allows investigators to photograph a suspect and compare it to millions of faces in a database to identify the person in the photo. As an example, this type of technology has already been used in China to capture suspects who have been on the run for years or decades.
With facial recognition, investigators can scan surveillance footage from banks and other businesses where robberies or other crimes have occurred. The software even compares images from security cameras to photographs of known criminals until it finds a match. Thus, the information comes in handy for tracking down the suspect and bringing them into custody before they have a chance to commit another crime.
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Conclusion
Recent developments are giving investigators many new tools to help solve crimes in our society. Still, even with the advancements in technology, many crimes go unsolved or require the public’s assistance to provide additional information.
Know that crime-solving methods will continue to change with new technology becoming available.
