Technological Advances in Criminal Identification Procedures - Essay Example

Technological advances in criminal identification procedures Introduction Ever since, identifying criminals crime has been a very difficult task. But over the last few decades, the advancement in computing system and genetic engineering have increased man's knowledge and ability to speed up the criminal identification process. Some of the tools that are available for law enforcers today include DNA analysis, Biometrics identification, and databases for DNA, Fingerprinting, palm print database, and surveillance systems. DNA analysis Ever since the discovery of DNA (Deoyxribonucleic acid) in 1954, it has been accepted as a measure of a person's identity as it contains an individual's genetic information (Gans and Urbas, 2002). DNA analysis offers a deeper identification method than traditional identification methods such as fingerprints, blood type, hair color etc. DNA analysis is more specific, as each set of nucleic acid in each person is unique. In addition, as DNA from one person's body cell is identical in each cell in the body of that person, a cell sample can be obtained from any part of that person's body. Thus, persons can be identified by referring to a DNA database which compares and matches a person's genetic information other person's DNA profile found in that database (Gans and Urbas, 2002). DNA analysis still provides limited amounts of information about a person's characteristics though it is believed that in the near future, researches may come up with a better method of DNA analysis (National Institute of Justice 2000, pp. 18-19; van Oorschot et al. 2001). At present, the use of DNA analysis in the judicial system involves comparison of DNA from two origins, for example comparing DNA that came from the location of the crime and that from a criminal (Gans and Urbas, 2002). Biometric identification Biometrics is the identification method that identifies persons based on their behavior and psychological profile. Often, this method is preferred than others because a person must be present at the identification point at the instance of verification and it eliminates the need for the memorization of passwords and PIN numbers. Biometric profiles increases the level of security by restricting access to that particular person only and can be potentially used in the protection of certain valuables such as ATM cards, cell phones, PCs etc. It has many uses such as for criminology and forensics, but it may have several civilian uses as well in the near future (Ross et al, n.d.). Aside from not having to memorize keywords or PIN, biometric identification is very accurate and secure, can be done easily and quickly and no documents or paraphernalia is needed to use it ("Biometric identification - advantages", n.d.). Intra-agency databases for DNA Intra-agency databases for DNA are actually a collection of DNA records that can be easily accessed by different law enforcement agencies. This will speed up the identification of criminals and solving cases. Law enforcement and other government agencies have been left behind by other sectors in having efficient database systems. This is due to their dependency on public funds, which is often insufficient and/or hastily planned. This lack of a proper criminal identification system slows down or hinders the judicial process. Criminals are aware of this lack of identification system and thus put them at and advantage over the authorities (Schroeder et al, n.d.). Fingerprint An Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) analyses, compares and then matches an individual's set of fingerprints against a fingerprint database. This system has various uses including criminal, civilian, electoral, academic purposes etc ("Automated Fingerprint Identification System", 2006). It is recommended that fingerprint matching be done in two stages namely: "pattern- type combination search" and "minutiae matching". This is done because not all AFIS software and hardware are made the same and each type of machine process fingerprints differently ("Automated Fingerprint Identification System", 2006). Fingerprint search results are often done in ten-print searches matching a single set of prints with about ten sets at a time. Other methods are done and in civil systems a "authenticate after match is done" to minimize human error during manual checking ("Automated Fingerprint Identification System", 2006). Palm print Fingerprints have been the standard of identification in crime investigation for years but fingerprints are quite unreliable as 30% of all prints lifted from a crime scene are from palms and not from fingers (Dewan, 2003; Wise, 2004). As such, the entire palm print is now more often used to identify perpetrators (Wise, 2004). The principle behind palm prints lie on "ridgeology" or "friction ridge identification", a method of identifying and analyzing ridges found in a crime scene. Palm prints result from the alignment and shape of the ridges and are only copied on hidden and excellent prints (Kuhn, n.d.; Wise, 2004). As with the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), the Automated Palm print Identification System (APIS), developed by NEC Technologies of Itasca, Illinois to analyze palm prints. It has the ability to copy the three major identification areas (or "volar" regions) in a person's palm. Before a criminal is incarcerated, his palm and fingerprints are taken as part of standard operating procedures. These prints are then stored in the criminal database for future reference (Wise, 2004). Camera and wiretap surveillance Due to advancement in computer and communication technology, law enforcers have at their disposal, surveillance capabilities in order to track down and identify criminals. With proper court clearance, law enforcement agents can tap into a suspected criminal's phone lines whether cell phone or landline it might be. Not to mention the modern day military facilities such as spy satellite which can view any spot on earth from outer space, although such technology has yet to develop further. We are all already familiar with surveillance cameras installed in local grocery stores as well as in the mall or even on street corners. These help a lot in identifying suspected criminals through recorded images of the crime scene before, during, and after the crime is committed. One such example of this is the July 7, 2005 bombing of London whereby, the activities of the suicide bombers were all well recorded. This aided the investigators in identifying the bombers, which resulted to further arrest. Impact of these advances on the constitutional rights of the accused from the policy perspective of the Due Process Model. The impact of technological advances in criminal identification is undeniably huge. However, some argue that basic human rights as well as constitutional rights are being violated. Especially on the due process model point of view, these advances tend to violate human rights. Although the due process model of criminal justice system seeks to find criminals and see to it that justice is done, it also seeks to protect the basic human rights. It is founded on the notion that any suspected criminal should be presumed innocent and his or her liberty should be respected. "According to the due process model, real justice is done through a precise, fair and dependable system of substantive laws and legal procedures, limiting the power of the state and its criminal justice officials" ("The roles of the criminal justice systems in Canada", n.d.). Today, background checks have been a common practice in the business world. More employers are checking applicants for previous criminal records. Applicants with previous criminal records are less likely gets hired, especially for higher positions. This is not in accordance with the beliefs of the due process model. In response, "the Maine House and Senate approved a proposal to abolish a law subjecting all school employees to fingerprinting and criminal background checks" in 2001. Even though it is morally and legally not right to discriminate against applicants with previous criminal records, it is always not easy to prove that such acts occurred. Employers would always deny such accusations citing other reasons such as lack of academic qualifications ("Criminal record", 2006). Impact of these advances will have on the efficiency of the Criminal Justice system from the policy perspective of the Crime Control Model. It is said that the best weapon against crime is prevention. As criminal identification technologies advance, the rate in which justice is dealt speeds up. The accuracy and efficiency in crime solving and law enforcement is also increased, thus lessening crime. In addition, innocent individuals are spared from being dealt with injustice. These advancements in technology go hand-in-hand in rooting out crime everywhere. The emphasis on the efficiency and rapid rate of crime control suppresses criminal intent. In addition, the implementation of heavy punishment for crimes and better arrest and detention processes contributes to a peaceful society ("The roles of the criminal justice systems in Canada", n.d.). Conclusion The use of these criminal identification systems are but part of the complex judiciary system we have today. No longer do we result to trial and error or other random procedures to identify and persecute criminals. Fingerprinting may be the landmark system in terms of its long term of use through the years, but it is not ignored or rendered obsolete. Instead, it is complemented with many new, modern identification systems such as DNA analysis, Palm print, biometric identification, databases and the use of cameras and other forms of surveillance equipment. Reliance on these technologies are high and through the many leaps and bounds in todays research methods, we may soon find a foolproof system of identification. These technologies serve as aids in our judiciary system but in the end, it still depends on the way the law is enforced in a certain area that gets the job done. If justice is served properly and swiftly, then we can expect a peaceful, crime-free society. References "Automated Fingerprint Identification System." (2 March 2006). Wikipedia. Retrieved March 13, 2006, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automated_Fingerprint_Identification_System "Biometric identification - advantages." (n.d.). Technovelgy.com. Retrieved March 13, 2006, from http://www.technovelgy.com/ct/Technology-Article.aspArtNum=14 "Criminal record." (4 March 2006). Wikipedia. Retrieved March 13, 2006, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criminal_record Dewan, Shaila K. (2003). Elementary, Watson: Scan a Palm, Find a Clue. The New York Times. 21 November. Gans, Jeremy and Gregor Urbas. (May 2002). DNA Identification in the Criminal Justice System. Trends & issues in crime and criminal justice, No. 226. Australian Institute of Criminology. Retrieved March 13, 2006, from http://216.109.125.130/search/cachep=DNA+analysis+criminal+identification&sm=Yahoo%21+Search&fr=FP-tab-web-t&toggle=1&cop=&ei=UTF 8&u=www.aic.gov.au/publications/tandi/ti226.pdf&w=dna+analysis+criminal+identification&d=CqkeZ21aMTLi&icp=1&.intl=us Kuhn, Kurt E. (n.d.). The Fingerprint Science and Ridgeology. Retrieved from http://www.scafo.org/library. Ross, Arun, Salil Prabhakar, and Anil Jain. (n.d.). An Overview of Biometrics. Retrieved March 13, 2006, from http://biometrics.cse.msu.edu/info.html Schroeder Jennifer Sgt., Dr. Hsinchun Chen, and Roslin V. Hauck. (n.d.). Funding Proposal. Retrieved March 13, 2006, fromhttp://ai.bpa.arizona.edu/coplink/publications/NIJProposal/NIJFinalProposal.htm "The Future of Forensic DNA Testing: Predictions of the Research and DevelopmentWorking Group". (2000). National Institute of Justice. National Commission onthe Future of DNA Testing, United States Department of Justice, Washington DC. "The Role of the Criminal Justice System in Canada." (n.d.). Retrieved March 13, 2006, from http://sesd.sk.ca/dherron/Law%2030/Criminal%20Law/Crim%20Law%204.doc van Oorschot, R.A.H., Lauder, K.E., Baindur-Hudson, S. & Mitchell, J. (2001). BeyondDNA databases: Physical identification using DNA. paper delivered at DNA Evidence: Prosecuting Under the Microscope International Conference, Adelaide, 9-11 September. Wise,Elizabeth. (2004). The Secret is in the Palm of Your Hand: Palm Print Identification.R.C. Gravel.Inc. Retrieved March 13, 2006, from http://www.rcgravel.com/palm_print_identification.htm Read More