3D Crime Mapping Technology - Assignment Example

? CRIME MAPPING Despite the fact that the utilization of mapping within the criminal justice system has swelled in the recent past, a good number of crime mapping tools and instruments can only display information and details of a felony after it has occurred. This paper makes out the most logical step in crime mapping based on the prior introduction of 3D computer aided crime mapping that enables individuals to scrutinize a crime or felony in all dimensions. Factors such as the benefits and liabilities associated with crime mapping, ways in which 3D technology is used to deal with social problems of crime, as well as the privacy issues and constitutional rights issues of crime mapping will also be investigated. Introduction According to Wrobleski & Hess (2005), crime mapping is a process that allows law enforcers to create in your mind or envision the distribution of delinquency within a particular region. Mapping makes available a lifelike and detailed illustration or demonstration of transgressions as well as other linked factors. Law makers can either create straightforward or complex illustrations. It is important to posit that straightforward illustrations aid the police in identifying areas that need intensified patrols. Complicated illustrations aid strategy creators and detectives to monitor movements hence making it easier to react or take action when a crime is taking place. Boba (2005), on the other hand, asserts that law enforcers can incorporate the use of scientific or computer aided illustrations to comprehend the attacking modes of murderers or assassins, identify the residences or dwelling places for criminals, and also make out subsequent areas for attacks. In the modern world, law enforcers in many countries have adopted the use of mapping technology to establish the position of a caller hence making it possible for officers reacting on the call have first hand proof. This is important as it ensures the security and wellbeing of law enforcers is upheld when reacting to urgent situations. Practical and procedural severity in the avoidance and control of transgressions has been witnessed to advance and progress over the recent past. This has been as a result of a joint venture among scientific investigators and other concerned parties (Boba, 2005). This has been coupled with the introduction of accessible and easy to use Geographic Information Systems which has been endorsed to present and offer important methodical and investigative devices or instruments for the detection and investigation of issues of delinquency and also growth and expansion of delinquency deterrence strategies. The most significant future prospect of crime mapping is the fact that it has the capability of discovering and classifying early indications of a crime through a point in time. Another assurance of crime mapping is the capability to enlighten a practical advancement towards crisis resolution and deterrence of transgression within the law enforcement component of the criminal justice system (Chamard, 2006). There have been efforts in the recent past to design novel designs of mapping software though most of these are in their infant phases of development. 1. Logical step to take with introduction of 3D crime mapping technology Since there has been the introduction of a 3D computer generated mapping technology, the next reasonable step would be to foretell future crimes. This is because the capacity to forecast the position or locality of potential felonies that might happen provides an important and helpful foundation of information that can be beneficial in combating future crime. Chamard (2006) argues that forecasting the happening of future felonies in form of prophetic analysis may update and enlighten the law enforcers on where to position and set up security operations. This can also assist in identifying areas that require frequent patrols by law enforcers. Putting up cameras in every corner of streets in major towns and neighborhoods enables inspection of regions prone o criminal activities. After identification of hot spots for felonies, it is only logical to ensure strategies are put into action in order to encourage behavior modification of individuals involved in crime. It is reasonable and ethical to use this technology to ensure that the community is safe (Wrobleski & Hess, 2005). 2. Law enforcement To understand the benefits and liabilities associated with crime mapping, it is important to elucidate the various components of the criminal justice system. There are a number of components of criminal justice system. These include law enforcement, trial or hearing, defense lawyers, courts, and behavior modification. In her article, Chamard (2006) posits that the advancement in investigations and studies on the perspective and background of unlawful occurrences has significantly added to the changes in the pattern of law enforcement. As a result of advancements in crime mapping, the center of attention has turned out to be miniature physical regions and this has led to the acknowledgment of the significance of areas with serious criminal activities. The significance of crime mapping has been proved over the past to include scrutinizing and examination of trouble areas, scrutiny, as well as evaluation of various reactions. There are other benefits of crime mapping in law enforcement. According to Wrobleski and Hess (2005, pg 187), ‘crime mapping can be used to determine where patrol is most needed.” There has been introduction of crime mapping software that has enabled law enforcers to study and envisage transgression. Crime mapping has made it possible for police officers to utilize reports and intelligence on felonies, and figures in conducting and directing strategies and plans of action. It has also classified associations or relationships linking a felony, statistics of people living around an area a felony has been committed, and significant collective concerns. Crime mapping offers a platform in which law enforcement institutions can set out and position their funds efficiently. The major liability of crime mapping in law enforcement is that it needs huge amounts of reports and intelligence for it to be effectual. According to Wrobleski & Hess (2005), Computer expertise and tools has in the recent past made it possible for improvement in the modus operandi and methods associated with the certification of landscape or view of the place a misdemeanor has happened. Subsequently, plans or blueprints assisted and supported by computers was brought to light and emphasized as a technical, scientific, and hi-tech instrument for use in studying and exploring scandalous activities admissible in a court of law. An admired and trendy evidence-based scientific illustrations known as crime zone has been widely used. This can be attributed to the fact that this software is simple and can generate drawings or figures with immense accuracy and consideration to all features and aspects. A 3-D design of this striking software is used the world over to figure out the possible path taken by a bullet. It is also used to map the panorama of various incidents such as kidnappings as well as assisting a court of law envisage the position of possible onlookers, casualties who could divulge important evidence for a crime. Dempsey and Forst (2011), illustrates an investigation conducted by the National Institute of Justice posited that law enforcers have a higher probability of settling a criminal issue once technical and systematic facts are collected, assembled, and investigated. The investigation also elucidated the fact that prosecution lawyers have a minimal possibility of requesting a petition in cases where the forensic evidence powerfully connects the accused with the felony. The jury is likely to give a more serious judgment or verdict when there is computer aided proof made available at hearing. Crime mapping facilitates behavioral modification. It is beneficial as it helps in the comprehension of the ways in which criminals conduct themselves. Mapping assists law enforcers in understanding the relationship between criminal actions and their criminal systems. Consequently, offenders are apprehended in a speedy and efficient manner (Boba, 2005). Mapping can also be used to determine the factors that forces particular individual’s turn in criminal activities. This is done through investigations to understand factors within the surrounding that compel individuals to commit offenses. Scrutinizing these aspects in a bid to make out contributors to delinquency ensures that these factors are changed so as to stop or avert others who may want to lead a criminal way of life. In most cases, crime mapping reports are released to the public. This ensures that information on crime is available to prospective delinquents hence may make them change their conduct (Orthmann & Hess, 2012). 3. Use of 3-D computer generated mapping and other technologies in dealing with crime According to Orthmann and Hess (2012, pg 187), “In addition to location, computer programs can help investigators uncover patterns in the timing of criminal events.” Regrettably, there have not been efficient time related examination tools. Studies done in the past have shown that computers have considerably and drastically influenced the actions and processes of law enforcement. The function and position of computers has in the past shifted from a mere tool to offer assistance in investigations to becoming a critical and vital instrument. A lot of computer aided technologies have been developed and have ensured a sense of responsibility and liability within the criminal justice system. Most of these technologies were designed with the objective of improving the living conditions of the community via the introduction of delinquency eradication measures.3D computer aided technologies can help law enforcers easily get into contact with various intelligence such as fingerprint accounts and DNA results of crime suspects (Boba, 2005). Information such as videos gotten from 3D cameras in the streets can be stored in a safe place that can enable immediate sharing. The incorporation of technical and systematic tools and equipment in resolving felonies is commonly referred to as forensic science. 3-D computer generated mapping and a number of other technologies has been used in the assessment, valuation, and offering account or details on the substantial proof and facts associated with a felony. These technologies are used in analyzing blood, semen, hair, and other markers in a bid to solve a crime. A point to note is that the analyzed facts are used to connect a suspect to a felony or vindicate individuals who may be believed to have committed a felony. It is also possible to create an aspect of the felony and rebuild or restructure the way a felony was committed. Proof and other facts of a felony are submitted in a court of law through a scientific examination by a specialist. This makes it a more efficient way of connecting a suspect with a crime as compared to submitting solid materials as proof of crime (Boba, 2005). For the two decades, law enforcers have incorporated the use of computer supported crime analysis methods such as the Home Office Large Major Enquiry System (HOLMES). This software was developed purposely for crime busters in Britain and it has since assisted them handle difficult and intricate crime analysis. This software is significant in crime mapping as it is used to recover, develop, categorize, as well as correlate and link up each and every facet of intelligence involved in an investigation. It is important to posit that HOPMES is also used to maintain the development and advancement of continuing research on crime (Orthmann & Hess, 2012). Dempsey and Forst (2011, pg 197) posits that, “HOLMES was created in response to the infamous Yorkshire Ripper case in which 13 women were killed between 1974 and 1981. According them, when the perpetrator was finally apprehended in 1981, it was discovered that he had been detained and questioned by atleast six different police departments in connection with the attacks. However, because sharing information on related cases was so cumbersome for the neighboring forces at that time, the connection was never made.” There has been the development of mobile computing software that enables the relay of information to law enforcers in the field. Modern mobile computing method avails equipments needed by law officers in doing their work in the field the same way they would have done in the office. This software presents the police with “records management systems, computer-aided dispatch, mobile data terminals, mobile wireless report entry, mapping, and many other capabilities once available only in traditional offices.” (Dempsey & Forst, 2011, pg 187). Portable tools and equipment have also made it possible for the police to have the capacity to use information instantaneously and subsequently give statements of the criminal accounts by the use of mobile phones and portable computers. There are other technologies such as the computerized fingerprint recognition technology, which have made it easier for the criminal justice system deal with the social problem of crime. This software makes it possible for law enforcers put the fingerprint details of a suspect in a computer for recognition. It is also possible for the police to share fingerprint reports of various individuals with other bodies of the criminal justice system through the internet to help apprehend criminals (Boba, 2005). Picture and illustration intensification and improvement capabilities of modern computerized fingerprint recognition systems have made it easier for the scrutiny of fingerprints. During periods prior to computers, the conventional method of crime mapping comprised of a huge illustration or depiction of a field fixed against a notice board by way of attaching colored pins. There were a lot of setbacks associated with these illustrations as law enforcers could lose preceding delinquency blueprints when the blue print was brought up to date. These depictions could also not be controlled or influenced (Dempsey & Frost, 2011). Privacy issues in crime mapping According to Boba (2005, pg 255), “one of the biggest concerns related to the posting of crime analysis information on the internet is the protection of the privacy of all persons involved, the confidentiality of the data, and the security of ongoing investigations.” The individuals involved in a felony investigation includes law enforcers, fatalities and injured parties, individuals believed to have committed the felony, and eyewitness. The right to privacy is a constitutional right. Therefore, it is of vital importance for the law enforcers to consider the privileges of both the community and people involved in a crime when placing or sharing criminal reports and intelligence. In instances where the police department makes public the location of a particular criminal event particularly through the internet, there is a possibility that excess or inadequate reports will be uploaded. This can be best illustrated through an example. Take for instance the place where an indecent attack is made public. This means that the victim can easily be identified by the public hence infringement of the victim’s confidentiality. On the other hand, failure to make the felony known to the public means that a similar occurrence may reoccur (Chamard, 2006). Law enforcers, therefore, have a duty to divulge this information to the public in order to prevent similar incidents, and at the same time ensure confidentiality of the identity of the victim. There are some international bodies and individuals such as scientists who may want to be given the right to be in contact and use reports on criminal activities. This may lead to the breach of confidentiality between law enforces and victims of a felony. In such a case, anybody wanting to have access to such reports and intelligence should be made to sign an accord that will hold him/her accountable in a court of law if he/she makes public private and confidential information (Wrobleski & Hess, 2005). Sharing of confidential criminal information may have possible harmful and depressing results and other additional legal responsibilities linked with mishandling confidential information. For instance, publicizing crime maps may invigorate unofficial and illegal process of marginalizing some locations especially by indemnity and depository organizations. Locations prone to criminal attacks may be market for a number of international and local bodies for constructive intercession. Such areas may also be deemed and labeled as detrimental and dangerous resulting to shift of families settled there to other areas. Sharing erroneous and fake information regarding criminal activities in a particular area may give fake discernment and insights on the character of individuals in a particular area (Chamard, 2006). Conclusion In conclusion, possibly the major and significant pronouncement and assertion from this evaluation and assessment of crime mapping technology is that a great deal of effort needs to be put or incorporated in designing mapping technology in order to efficiently and successfully predict future transgressions despite the fact that it has enhanced the ability of law enforcers to generate, uphold and control information regarding felonies (Chamard, 2006). The aptitude to foretell the site or neighborhood of probable criminal acts that might take place provides an important and useful base of information that can be beneficial in combating future crime. Forecasting the happening of future felonies in form of scientific investigations may update and enlighten the law enforcers on where to position and set up security operations. This can also assist in identifying areas that require frequent patrols by law enforcers. The importance of crime mapping has been attested over the recent past to consist of study and examination of trouble areas, scrutiny, as well as evaluation of various reactions. A research performed by the National Institute of Justice posited that law enforcers have a higher prospect of resolving a criminal matter on occasion that technological and methodical facts are collected, gathered, and explored. Prosecution lawyers also have a nominal likelihood of requesting a petition in cases where the forensic evidence powerfully connects the accused with the felony. The jury is likely to give a more serious judgment or verdict when there is computer aided proof made available at hearing (Wrobleski & Hess, 2005). Modern mobile computing method avails equipments needed by law officers in doing their work in the field. It is of vital importance for the law enforcers to consider the privileges of both the community and people involved in a crime when placing or sharing criminal reports and intelligence. Boba (2005) asserts that mapping is a procedure that permits law enforcers to generate in their mind or imagine the distribution of law-breaking activities within a particular area. Mapping makes accessible a realistic and thorough graphic or exhibition of transgression events as well as other associated factors. Law makers can moreover generate straightforward or complex graphic representations. It is vital to put forward that clear-cut graphical representations give support to the police in categorize areas that call for deeper patrols. Intricate graphical representations support strategy creators and detectives in monitoring actions and individual engagements hence making it easier to react or take action when a crime is taking place (Wrobleski & Hess, 2005). References Boba, R. (2005). Crime Analysis and Crime Mapping. London, UK: Sage Publication. Chamard, S. (2006). The History of Crime Mapping and Its Use by American Police Departments. Anchorage, Alaska: University of Alaska. Dempsey, J. S., & Forst, L. S. (2011). Police. New York, USA: Cengage Learning. Orthmann, C. M., & Hess, K. M. (2012). Criminal Investigation. New York, USA: Cengage Learning. Wrobleski, H. M., & Hess, K. M. (2005). Introduction to Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice. Victoria, Australia: Thomson Learning. Read More