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Essay on Advantages and Disadvantages of using Computers in Law Enforcement
Through the invention and modernization of computer technology many important tasks are done easily. Computers can be used to help police map where certain crimes are occurring, locate crime and to transfer certain important information relating to the criminal. It is an instant tool that allows police to spot patterns, calculate whether the same person or different individuals committed a series of similar crimes, and sometimes even prevent crimes or catch suspects by increasing patrols in hard-hit areas. By connecting their separate computer systems, neighboring small and rural police departments can extend their crime-mapping abilities beyond Modem operandi.
Computers, especially when combined with other new technologies, can also link officers in the field with national databases. Digital imaging fingerprint systems can scan arrestees’ fingers electronically instead of using the traditional ink-and-paper method. The results base that lets police compare a set of newly taken fingerprints with those already in the system. Cellular telephones can help officers in the field better appraise their home station of their position and situation, and they can enable dispatchers to send more police to a crime scene quickly.
These systems can help law enforcement agencies—especially those with by enabling officers in the field to pinpoint their precise location. They can help individual officers describe more accurately to dispatchers the exact position of a crime scene or rescue situation. (Ashcroft, Daniels & Hart, 1999)
Information sharing through Internet:
Internet web pages are starting to become more popular in law enforcement circles. They can be used to share crime prevention information and other law enforcement communications with the public. Furthermore, the mere existence of a law enforcement Internet web site sends a clear signal to the public that the law enforcement agency involved is modern and technology aware. Most law enforcement computer evidence specialists have the necessary tools to create Internet web pages and the cost of maintaining a site is just a few dollars a month. Some Internet service providers even provide free web space as part of their services for Internet E-mail clients....
