The Role of Technology in Criminal Justice

Published on: September 28, 2023

Advanced technology has transformed the criminal justice field, bringing both new possibilities and challenges to the table. While modern offenders can use technology to commit sophisticated crimes and evade detection, law enforcement officials can also benefit from advanced tech as they uncover criminal activity and deliver justice. Forensic science represents a well-known and highly successful application, but this is only the beginning. In addition, technology is increasingly vital for corrections, rehabilitation and within the juvenile justice system. 

As the criminal justice field grows more reliant on high-tech solutions, professionals at all levels will be expected to be proficient with cutting-edge tools and techniques. This calls for targeted training, including extensive practice with many types of devices, software and systems. We delve into all this below, providing an overview of what technology can accomplish and which solutions are currently available.   

Why It's Important to Use Technology in Criminal Justice 

The criminal justice system faces numerous challenges, but technology promises to provide a major edge in everything from detection to apprehension. Equipped with a comprehensive array of technological solutions, law enforcement officials and departments are able to accomplish more with less. 

Technology can improve accuracy in investigations and policing, too, as many forensic solutions and emerging biometric systems are extremely reliable. These provide yet another source of evidence, plus the opportunity to organize and analyze other evidence more effectively.   

The Evolution of Criminal Justice Technology  

Criminal justice technology has come a long way in just a few short years. Devices we now take for granted were not always available to law enforcement officials. For example, seemingly basic technologies such as radar and radios were not part of the criminal justice picture a century ago. Other influential developments that revolutionized policing? Computer dispatching systems and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC).  

These days, criminal justice technology incorporates the most cutting-edge concepts and opportunities. Artificial intelligence, for instance, brings exciting possibilities to the table, such as facial recognition and biometrics. Also worth noting is improved analysis for a growing wealth of data, so professionals can more easily spot patterns and adjust their responses accordingly. 

Other advancements in technology include an increased reliance on wearables and high-end management software to support everything from regulatory compliance to risk management. Moving forward, rapid improvements are expected, plus better training to ensure that criminal justice professionals are prepared to handle these solutions effectively and ethically.  

Types of Criminal Justice Technology  

Criminal justice technology is a vast concept that encompasses many types of systems and devices. Some criminal justice professionals will be expected to use a variety of these, while other roles may only call for modest technological applications. Either way, anyone who aspires to work in criminal justice should have a broad understanding of modern tech solutions, including these essentials:   

Surveillance and Monitoring 

Long a critical component of policing, surveillance involves close observation with the intention of gathering evidence to support investigations. These technologies have advanced rapidly in recent years, with facial recognition, automatic license plate readers and even drones now regularly incorporated into everyday criminal justice procedures.  

Rapid Identification Systems 

Rapid ID introduces a mobile element to once-restricted systems for capturing fingerprints and other forms of identification. Now, however, these details can be gathered anywhere and at any time. Automated fingerprint identification systems (AFIS) in particular limit the need to transport suspects between locations.  

Predictive Policing 

As new systems produce vast volumes of data, the central challenge no longer involves accessing information but rather effectively analyzing it to drive real-time decision-making. This is where predictive policing can come into play. 

Drawing on advanced algorithms capable of forecasting criminal activity, predictive policing uses historical crime details and other vast data sets to reveal when individuals are more likely to commit (or be the victims of) crimes. This can also provide insight into where and how to deploy law enforcement officials.  

Cell Phone Technology 

The smartphone can be a powerful part of the modern police officer's toolbox, even when solutions such as radio dispatchers are available. The value of the simple cell phone lies primarily in its versatility; it remains the technological jack-of-all-trades. 

Unique advantages afforded by cell phones include:  

• Electronic document services to streamline processing. 
• Searching alleged offenders' cell phones for texts and other records. 
• Digital footprints to reveal where suspects have been or even locate them in real time.   

Computer-Aided Dispatch 

Offering a useful framework for prioritizing calls and revealing which responders are best equipped to help, computer-aided dispatch (CAD) manages information from various sources to offer an optimized approach to everyday dispatch operations. Capable of processing complex information almost immediately, dispatchers equipped with CADs can help police officers and responders reach crime scenes and other locations promptly while also strengthening interoperability between agencies.  

Enhanced Body Cams 

Body-worn cameras provide valuable insight into how both officers and alleged offenders behave. Advocates believe these cameras limit the risk of misconduct and even strengthen fairness in policing. Though these can be expensive to implement, emerging research indicates that they in fact produce significant cost reductions, stemming largely from associated reductions in investigations.  

In some departments, officers are actually requesting cameras, as their frequent contact with suspects may lead to more complaints and a potentially inaccurate assessment of their conduct. Furthermore, body-worn cameras can serve as a training tool by helping agencies reveal where greater training is necessary and supporting scenario-based initiatives as well.  

DNA Testing and Analysis 

When DNA is discovered at crime scenes, it functions as an incredibly accurate form of biological evidence. It can link suspects to crime scenes or criminal activity. In other situations, DNA may help to exonerate those who have mistakenly been accused of committing crimes.  

DNA testing has taken a sizable step up in the past decade and is now regularly used in a range of investigations. In the future, AI could be integrated into DNA analyses to expedite processing and limit the potential for human error.   

Biometrics 

Biometrics provides measurements of physiological characteristics. While DNA technically qualifies as a form of biometrics, this term typically references morphological traits (involving bodily patterns) such as fingerprints or eye patterns known as iris recognition.  

Fingerprinting has long played a critical role in investigations, as fingerprints are often left at crime scenes. This serves as a strong form of physical evidence, revealing not only whether suspects were present but also whether they handled weapons or other noteworthy objects.  

Facial Recognition Software 

As an advanced form of biometrics, facial recognition software (FRS) uses AI to match faces to images compiled within a vast database. This is an increasingly vital component of fraud detection and prevention, as FRS systems can compare the faces of users against the documents they intend to submit. This is useful for detention as well, as FRS can streamline otherwise time-consuming processes for booking and release.  

VR-Based Crime Scene Reconstruction 

Virtual reality reconstruction solutions provide 3D models of crime scenes, which can address many problems that occur when physically visiting crime scenes—the constant risk of destructed evidence or contamination, to name a couple. Through VR, investigators can create walk-through experiences, helping them pinpoint evidence that may have otherwise been overlooked. Aspiring forensic professionals also rely on VR solutions for in-depth training that prepares them to navigate real-world crime scenes.  

Data Recovery Systems 

Data recovery systems allow forensics professionals to analyze suspects' internet behavior in depth, especially if they have attempted to delete details such as texts, emails or search history. These systems can retrieve data from many types of devices, like cell phones and hard drives. Even when criminal activities are not categorized as cybercrimes, the information generated through data recovery can aid the investigative process substantially.  

Gunshot Detection Systems 

Gunshot detection technology relies on acoustic sensors to notify dispatchers in the event of firearm discharges. These are primarily used in areas known to experience high levels of firearm crime. Sensors are typically placed in high locations, such as light poles or on top of buildings. These are discreet enough to prevent the public from noticing or tampering with them. If properly implemented, these systems can dramatically reduce response times while also generating valuable data to integrate with complementary policing technologies.   

Social Media Monitoring Tools 

Social media provides a treasure trove of information for agencies like the Department of Homeland Security, Drug Enforcement Administration and even Internal Revenue Service. If authorized purposes are confirmed, agencies can use social media to complete inquiries known as assessments. With sufficient factual basis, social media monitoring may involve real-time surveillance of direct messaging. During urgent events, social media also serves as an "ear to the ground."  

Ethical Implications of Technology in Criminal Justice  

If there's a downside to the many technological advancements highlighted above, it's their complex ethical concerns. Used irresponsibly, these systems risk infringing on basic rights. Social media surveillance, for example, can infringe on the right to free speech, while facial recognition developers have been accused of building unconscious bias into systems that can result in wrongful convictions.  

Given these concerns, it is crucial that any training involving technological solutions must also delve into their ethical and legal manifestations. Criminal justice professionals must thoroughly understand how to use advanced technology without infringing on civil rights—or when certain technologies might prove unacceptable altogether. Further improvements will be needed to address potential biases from AI and developers. We must be mindful that technology is a tool but will not always grant easy answers.   

Take the Next Step With a Degree in Criminal Justice 

It is abundantly clear that, going forward, technology will play an integral role in every area of the criminal justice field. Professionals who accept (or better yet, embrace) this reality would be better equipped to take advantage of today's most exciting career opportunities.  

If you envision a future in criminal justice, you'll want to prepare with a degree program that introduces you to the most exciting advancements in criminal justice technology.

Explore Our Online Degrees