While criminals get more creative, the criminal justice system and forensic science specialists have to update the techniques and tools that are used while obtaining evidence for the new crimes. Furthermore, medicine and technology are vital tools for the forensic science department to use to help explain the actions of the criminal. Using the results of the crimes is essential for law enforcement agents because they are given the power to help convict an individual as well as the prevention of future crimes. Importance of Forensic Science to Policing, Court Processes and Security Efforts Forensic science plays a vital role in criminal
Current and Future Technologies used in the criminal Justice system AJA 363 Current and Future Technologies used in the criminal Justice system Communication skills are the most important skills that are necessary for law enforcement professionals to succeed in this type of profession. Law enforcement officers must understand this reality and being effective at communicating will make the job easier. If an officer decides to be a lousy communicator the results usually end up being poor interpersonal relationships, citizen’s complaints, and in the worse case, possibly even injury or death in the streets. The Webster’s dictionary defines communication as “an act of transmitting a message, exchange of information, to make known.” (Lt. J, Glennon 2007, policeone.com) Communication for public safety is still far behind commercial users in communications functionality, even though there have be improvements that have achieved much better interoperability between different disciplines and across jurisdictional boundaries, lack of governance, standards, and training continue to be the biggest gaps, but this is not for lack of technology. There are technical solutions out there that are ready to help law enforcement communicate effectively and efficiently.
Basing on the above elucidation, one may deduce that eye witness testimony plays a fundamental role in the legal system. Moreover, eye witness frequently plays a vital role in uncovering the truth about a crime. The evidence they provide can be critical in identifying, charging and
1.) What evidence is available to the police? Reference: Criminal Investigation The Art And The Science Custom Edition by Michael D. Lyman-Chapter 12, pg.318 The evidence that would be available to the police is the defendant’s fingerprints that were found on the passenger’s door panel. The value of fingerprints at a robbery crime scene is immense, so it is essential to conduct a thorough search of all surfaces in or near the scene that the robbers might have touched. These surfaces include countertops, doors and handles, cash registers and computers, and any furniture encountered by the suspects.
Today with the use of technology the officer has many more resources at their disposal, items to assist as well as protect them against criminals. There are items such as the Taser, for non-lethal confrontations, the introduction of the computer and all of its various uses. The introduction of the dashboard camera, which protects both the officer as well as the public. Various other items that would aid in the apprehension of a suspect such as the license plate recognition system. These items have changed the way that Police Operations are conducted in today’s environment.
Discuss the powers of police in the criminal process. Make reference to the role of discretion in the criminal justice system Police powers, refers to the authority that the law enforcement body has when investigating a crime. The powers that police have include search and seizure, access to information, interrogation, electronic surveillance, medical examinations, detention, fingerprints and photographing. These powers allow police to deepen their investigation and to effectively obtain justice for victims and society. Furthermore, the discretion of police can play a large role in the investigation of criminal offences; however, it can lead to certain individuals in society being targeted.
We also have Rapid Response and undercover operations. With our policing operations our officers are faced with many dangers. In the United States we use the most current technology to solve crimes and assist us in investigations. Patrol is one of the key aspects in police operations because just having the presence of police in an area helps prevent crimes; it also gives the community a feeling of security and control. Patrol can be the police car, driving down roads or highways looking for people who may be speeding or driving without a license or insurance.
Because of the rise of facial recognition and voice activated search mechanisms such as Cortana and Siri, police officers can use these technologies to track down fugitives and see what people have on their criminal histories (Roufa, n.d.). As of today, the New York Police Department and the Los Angeles Police Department are currently using this piece of technology in situations such as arresting a suspect and issuing citations (Carte,
THE ROLE OF DNA PROFILING IN CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION Henry Roberts Jane Taupin and Tony Raymond Victoria Police State Forensic Science Laboratory Victoria Introduction DNA profiling has attracted a good deal of public attention in the last eight years. The practical application of DNA technology to the identification of biological material has had a significant impact on forensic biology, because it enables much stronger conclusions of identity or non-identity to be made. Legislation regulating the taking of blood samples from suspects has been enacted in Victoria (Crimes (Blood Samples) Act 1989; Crimes Legislation (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 1991), and further amendments are proposed. Databases of DNA profiles are being compiled as an aid to criminal intelligence. Faced with powerful incriminating evidence, defendants are often persuaded to change their plea or else mount a legal challenge to the admissibility of DNA profiling.
New Technology Mobile data terminal and live scan technologies affect the communication capabilities of specialized databases in the criminal justice system. For instance, mobile data technology assists officers with day-to-day problem solving and access to federal, county, and state records in real time. The technology is used to obtain a person’s identification; it also has the capability of bringing up mug shots and maps. Mobile data terminals consist of the use of the internet while officers are on beat. Moreover, live scans linked to mobile data terminals can be effective with connecting offenders to crimes by the results from their fingerprints.