Technology in law enforcement has improved over many years. There are many benefits to this new technology, that helps better our community and helps keep officers safe. On the other hand there are some that we do not benefit from . One of the number one effective technologies in law enforcement are surveillance cameras. Although this is very common it gets the job done. Surveillance cameras are used to watch over spaces and people in areas that are somewhat hidden or areas that can not be watched at all times. These cameras help protect the public but also help protect police officers. They also help prevent crime, and can help solve cases faster with the material evidence. These cameras have lead to the incarceration of many criminals. These can be used to monitor places such as, crime scenes, prisons,courts, schools, stores and many more. Many different versions of surveillance cameras are available. For example the CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) camera is one used “to transmit a signal to a specific place, on a limited set of monitors.” These are used by officers. Surveillance cameras cost around $1,200, this includes the installation of the device, the monitoring fee and the device itself. NIJ funds research on new versions of surveillance to make sure that police officers have the best in the field. NIJ conducts test and evaluations on new products.
Database and Information exchange. This is one of the most important technologies in law enforcement today. This computer system helps with so many aspects of the criminal justice system. Without this we would be stuck with paper files and information that would be hard to exchange with different units, not only different units but different counties and states as well. This system is a combination of many different tools. “DNA testing and profiling, fingerprints and “hot spot” crime mapping programs.” These programs are all important in developing and solving cases, keeping criminal records or past offenders. What would we do without fingerprinting? It would be hard to keep past criminals on file, these programs help to lower crime rate. Why? Because of the deterrent effect. This is aggressive policing increases community's perception that police arrest criminals and most violators will get caught. If criminals know they will be caught they are less likely to commit a crime. The information exchange helps catch criminals as well, it helps see the connections between people and events. Also gives all law enforcement easy access to be able to exchange information and affordably. With that said these technologies are increasing as well.
Body Cameras In Law Enforcement
Samantha Powers