The use of advanced technology has facilitated efficient communication in the criminal justice system. Communication is crucial in the justice system as it facilitates passage of relevant information during criminal case procedures. Communication using modern technology makes interaction between professionals in the criminal justice system efficient and convenient. Communication used in the criminal justice system has been subject to change due to the developments in technology being used. The use of automated systems in the criminal justice system is one of the developments that have been realized through the use of technology. There are numerous merits and demerits associated with the use of technology in the criminal justice system (Bradley, 2004).
The use of technology in communication is also used in data storage, and processing in the criminal justice system. Specialized databases have enabled the system to look through information stored and process it in a few minutes. Processes that took days to sort such as identification of suspects can be conducted accurately and quickly through the use of various specialized databases. Comparison of two specialized database systems will evaluate the automated fingerprint identification system and the facial recognition used in identification of suspects that are already in the database of the justice department.
The two computer based security systems are used in identification of criminals through collecting any information linked to the suspect from the data base. The facial recognition software compares images captures by law enforcement agencies with images already in the database. The software maps facial features of the captured image with images in the data base and helps to identify suspects. The database enhances communication between law enforcement agencies and criminal justice system as the collection of sufficient information and evidence is facilitated through the use of these systems. Once the software maps the images to the pictures in the database then all the information concerning the suspect can be passed to the relevant authority.
The software has enabled law enforcement agencies to identify potential terrorist targets and arresting criminals. Automated fingerprint recognition is used in the criminal justice system to identify a suspect from prints collected from a crime scene. When evidence is collected from the crime scene, finger prints can be used to identify if the suspects were present in the crime scene thus making persecution less time consuming. Law enforcement agencies are able to collect information accurately from the crime scene tying the suspect to the crime scene. The two types of specialized database systems have their advantages and disadvantages (Miller & Whitehead, 2011).
The first advantage of using specialized database systems is the accurate identification of suspects. The database systems are more accurate compared to the conventional manual systems. The database systems are also efficient in that time and manpower is diverted to other uses. The use of database systems is less time consuming and needs a few people to operate thus saving the justice department adequate resources. The use of specialized database systems enables the criminal justice system to increase its conviction rate due to the adequate evidence collected. The criminal justice system across the nation can network as the information stored in the data base can be accessed from anywhere. This enabled the system to adequately control the criminal system. Communication is the justice system is also enhanced using the technology to facilitate information collection, storage and transfer (Wallace & Roberson, 2009).
The demerits associated with the use of specialized database systems include the expense to the state. Adapting and maintaining a specialized criminal database system is expensive to the justice department. The acquisition of hardware and software plus training or employing personnel to run the system poses a significant initial cost to the justice department. Storage of information in a database makes it prone to hackers who may interfere with the stored information. The specialized database systems are in the market thus can be acquired by any one. Criminal organizations with the resources can acquire these systems and use them for their activities.
The preferable specialized technology to use would be the Iris scan. The specialized technology offers mobility to the user, and its cost is relatively low compared to other technologies. The cost of acquiring the hardware and software for the Iris scan is considerably low. The Iris scan offers a higher accuracy level compared to other technologies in the market. The process of scanning the individual and searching though the database does not consume time. The Iris scanner uses about 270 characteristics to identify an individual thus the accuracy of the system. The automated fingerprint scanner uses a70 characters to identify the individual thus less accurate. The data collected is directly stored in the computer to eliminate the probability of errors occurring during storage (Moriarty, 2005).
Security and justice in the United States ensures that the nation provides a peaceful environment where businesses can grow. Technology improves the way of life in the nation and also revolutionizes criminal activities. The criminal justice department needs to adapt to the use of technology to improve security and justice in the nation. The justice department faces challenges such as limited finances and availability of this technology in the open market. The criminal justice system should adapt cheap but efficient technologies such as the Iris scan to improve communication in the system.
References
Bradley, R. (2004). Science, technology, and criminal justice. New York: Peter Lang.
Miller. L. S., & Whitehead, J. T. (2011). Report writing for criminal justice professionals (4th ed.). Burlington, MA: Anderson Publishing.
Moriarty, L. J. (2005). Criminal justice technology in the 21st century. Springfield, Ill: Charles C. Thomas.
Wallace, H., & Roberson, C. (2009). Written and interpersonal communication: Methods for law enforcement (4th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.
