Computer Applications in the Field of Criminal Justice

Computer Applications in the Field of Criminal Justice

Theadore N. Tucker

Columbia Southern University

Computer Applications in the Field of Criminal Justice

As technology advances, law enforcement agencies across the country have experienced both positive and negative results.  Take the expanded use of social media and other applications have proven to be a unique challenge to law enforcement.  Every time that law enforcement officials execute their duties, there is always the possibility for them to show up on a Facebook video.  Also, with the ease of access to the world wide web, gangs and even terrorist organizations are able to coordinate their actions like never before, creating an entirely new digital space that needs policing (How Technology is Changing Law Enforcement, n.d.).

The goal of this paper is to provide information on my level of understanding of the computer applications within the field of criminal justice.  Once I have identified my limited knowledge of this subject, I will provide a brief overview the knowledge that I have gained as a result of working through this unit.  Next, I will identify a topic related to the computer applications in the field of criminal justice.  Finally, I will address how the knowledge that I have gained applies to my understanding of computer applications within the criminal justice system.

My Knowledge of Computer Applications in the Field Of Criminal Justice

Technology plays an important role in our day to day lives.  As an instructor pilot for the United States Army, I use the computer almost daily to present information to my students, and fellow instructors utilizing Microsoft power point, word and excel at a relatively basic level.  Also, as part of the training that is provided to the students, we utilize a mission planning system to pass information into the aircraft through the Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS) to reduce the pilots work load when mission critical information is required.  All grading, counseling and critiques are handled through the companies secure network which requires a very specific log in to protect the information.  All of this information sounds impressive, but it does little when it comes to my knowledge of computer applications within the criminal justice system.

Fortunately, I have many friends who serve as law enforcement officers, as well as access to “Wi-Fi” for this research.  My greatest experience with law enforcement is the use of their RADAR gun.  Like most radar devices, the gun operates in predesignated frequencies bandwidth, and is designed to detect, receive, calculate and display the current speed of the target in question.  Once stopped, law enforcement officers utilize mobile data computers (MDC) to run the vehicle plates, check for warrants and gain pertinent information of the current situation they are involved in.  Beyond this basic understanding, my knowledge base is minimal.  

Knowledge That I Have Gained

While reviewing this unit, I have discovered that as technology is a must in the criminal justice system.  Technology can be used effectively for the protection of the officer and perpetrators in any situation.  The expansion of communication to establish intelligence sharing between different agencies in law enforcement through-out history was exhausting (Deflem, 2002).  With the use of the MDC, law enforcement officers are able to quickly gain and share information, providing them with the ability to enter a situation as prepared as possible.  For example, this could prevent a routine traffic stop from turning violent.  

However, the other side of technology within the word of criminal justice is the high cost of cybercrimes.  In the past, crimes such as bank robberies, and muggings required that there had to be a victim and perpetrator present at time of the crime.  In today’s world, it criminals can use computers to rob you blind.  To be effective in the detection and prosecution of these computer crimes, investigators need to have baseline knowledge of criminal justice, accounting and computer operations (Myers & Myers, 2003).  Within my research, I have discovered the need for law enforcement personnel to continue their ability to effectively utilize a computer network system, and the need to continue to expand the knowledge base throughout the community.