Throughout your childhood and even into adulthood, we loved seeing tons and tons of movies showing fabulous heroes apprehending villains, detectives capturing bad people, crimes being solved through the use of technology and intelligence, and criminals engaging in illicit activities.
However, you’d be surprised to know that the methods employed by detectives, heroes, police, and law enforcement agencies to apprehend criminals have evolved beyond traditional means. No one goes around with a magnifying glass nowadays! In today's world, it comes as no surprise that these individuals rely heavily on software and IT technology to solve crimes and murders.
Some of the areas such as data analytics, artificial intelligence, and digital forensics have been successfully implemented, equipping criminal investigators with more advanced tools than ever before. They are now better equipped to identify and apprehend those responsible for these atrocious acts.
A prime example of technology's role can be seen in the James Bond movie series, where the utilization of cutting-edge technology plays a pivotal role in defeating criminals and saving the world. The realm of software encompasses a wide range of elements, from physical devices to pure software solutions.
Data Analytics to see what cannot be seen
An excellent illustration of remarkable technological progress in crime-solving can be seen in the development of data analytics and big data. You've probably seen numerous police departments employing sophisticated software to analyze vast quantities of data, enabling the identification of patterns and the prediction of potential crime hotspots.
This empowers law enforcement agencies to allocate their resources more efficiently and proactively prevent crimes. For instance, the Chicago Police Department utilizes a system known as HunchLab, which examines historical crime data to create maps indicating the future locations where crimes are most likely to take place.
In the short story “Lamb to the slaughter” authored by Roald Dahl, the murderer gets away so easily because the detectives use sleuthing to try and find out the murderer. If they had but used data analytics, the murderer would have been caught then and there!!!
Solving crimes using Artificial Intelligence
In movies, artificial intelligence (AI) is often depicted as evolving into a criminal entity. However, the reality is quite the opposite. AI plays a crucial role in combating crime by aiding in the identification of criminals and patterns.
Artificial intelligence has brought about a revolutionary change in crime-solving methods. AI algorithms are capable of analyzing extensive data sets, which can include video footage and social media posts, to effectively identify suspects and monitor their activities.
A notable instance occurred in 2020, when Chinese police utilized AI to successfully identify and apprehend a man who had evaded capture for 17 years following a murder he had committed.
Interestingly AI is used to solve crimes related to murder of animals and pets as well. In the story “Out of the dust”, authored by Karen Hesse, a dog who is in love with its master is killed by someone in a great act of cruelty. The master then uses artificial intelligence and the latest technology to catch the murderer and solve the crime.
Digital Forensics to the rescue
Technology has made remarkable advancements in the field of digital forensics, contributing significantly to crime-solving efforts. Investigators now have access to specialized software that enables them to extract data from various digital devices like computers, smartphones, and tablets. This extracted data can be meticulously analyzed to identify potential suspects, unveil motives behind criminal activities, and track the movements of individuals involved.
A prominent example showcasing the pivotal role of digital forensics was observed during the investigation into the 2015 San Bernardino shooting. FBI investigators successfully extracted valuable evidence from the shooter's iPhone, shedding light on crucial details of the case.
Instant sharing of data
The utilization of Software and IT technology in crime-solving brings forth a notable advantage. This particularly lies in the seamless exchange of information among various agencies and jurisdictions. With the aid of centralized databases and information-sharing systems, law enforcement agencies can enhance their collaborative efforts and efficiently share real-time information. This becomes especially valuable in situations involving fugitives or cases that transcend state boundaries.
For instance, consider a scenario where a notorious criminal manages to evade capture and crosses multiple state boundaries to evade authorities. In such a case, the integration of Software and IT technology enables law enforcement agencies from different jurisdictions to swiftly share pertinent information regarding the suspect's identity, potential sightings, and other crucial details.
This timely and efficient information exchange greatly enhances the collective efforts of these agencies, increasing the likelihood of apprehending the fugitive and ensuring a comprehensive response to the criminal activity at hand.
Challenges in using tech
Despite these advancements, there are still problems to using Software and IT technology to solve crimes and murders.
- One major challenge is the need for adequate funding and resources to implement and maintain these technologies.
- Many police departments do not have the money or man power to invest and work on using the latest crime-fighting tools.
- There are concerns about privacy when it comes to the use of surveillance and data analysis tools.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Software and IT technology is making solving crimes easier and faster by use of it data analytics, artificial intelligence and digital forensics. There are still many challenges to be addressed however it has without a doubt made a difference in catching criminals and bringing them to justice.
