Technology in Modern Criminal Investigations

By Khalid Mustafa

The modern world has integrated technology into a variety of fields, including criminal investigations. Criminal investigations have seen significant technological changes in recent years. Technology has made it easier to perform criminal investigations, enabling investigators to collect evidence without human intervention, analyze it, & present it in court. New tools & techniques have made it possible for defence agencies to solve crimes faster & more effectively, leading to the identification & punishment of criminals. Technology is a crucial part of law enforcement in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K), which is known for its unique challenges. The J&K Police, which manages complex & evolving security matters, can depend on modern technology to increase public safety, crime control & investigation efficiently. Digital evidence & forensics science have become increasingly widespread in modern criminal investigations. Criminals are using online platforms & devices to do crimes in the digital age. Digital tools have been created which are available & can be utilized by law enforcement agencies to solve crimes. The digital evidence consists of the information from various devices such as mobile phones, computers & as well as social media. Evidences like location, Internet Protocol Detail Records (IPDR), Call Detail Records (CDR data), communication records & financial transactions can be used to establish a timeline of events for investigators to follow in order to identify suspects. 

Technology’s Impact on criminal investigations & the challenges faced in utilizing technology. 

In modern criminal investigations, technology is heavily used to improve the efficiency & precision of law enforcement. A series of traditionally used methods of investigating have always been important: questioning, collection of material & witness accounts, & eyewitness testimony. The advancement of technology has provided law enforcement with a more extensive range of tools to collect & analyze evidence. By utilizing these tools, investigations are expedited significantly, human errors are reduced, & cases are resolved more quickly. One of the primary concerns in criminal investigations is the protection of data security & privacy through technology. The abundance of data being gathered & stored has raised questions about its utilization, possessors, & safeguarding. Another problem with the use of technology in criminal investigations is the digital divide. Despite the availability of modern technology, not every law enforcement agency has access to it due to budgetary restrictions or inadequate training. Due to this difference, investigations may not be conducted effectively & results may vary significantly depending on the jurisdiction. Fairness & justice in the criminal justice system can only be achieved through the implementation of technology & training for all law enforcement agencies. Here are some examples of how modern criminal law is being used in the field:

a. Digital Forensics & Cybercrime Investigation. 

Digital forensics is one of the most significant developments in criminal investigations. The use of computers, smartphones, tablets, & other digital tools has become increasingly common among criminals as they try to plan & execute crimes. The retrieval & analysis of data from these devices to obtain evidence in criminal cases is referred to as digital forensics. By employing digital forensics techniques to monitor hackers, cybercriminals, & those engaging in illegal online activities such as hacking or fraud, the J&K Police can enhance their investigative efforts. By using specialized software, investigators can track internet searches & other data, recover lost or deleted files, & monitor the communications with suspects. The development of these technologies will be crucial to the fight against crime in J&K, as cybercrime & inter-state crimes continue to grow. 

b. CCTV Surveillance & Face Recognition Technology. 

The use of CCTV cameras has made urban public areas more accessible for surveillance. Apart from detecting criminal activity, the cameras are essential in case of an incident. The integration of advanced technologies like facial recognition software is being used in CCTV systems to identify & track individuals, in addition to traditional surveillance. In Jammu & Kashmir, where ongoing conflicts & crimes are a concern, CCTV surveillance can be particularly effective as compared to other methods. By comparing their facial features with databases of known criminals or people of interest, facial recognition software can be used to track suspected criminal activity, those involved in anti-national activities, or any other criminal. 

c. The use of drones in surveillance & crime scene documentation is possible.

In modern criminal investigations, drones are increasingly being used to monitor large or risky areas. The use of drones is a viable option in areas like Jammu & Kashmir where remote terrain poses logistical challenges. Law enforcement can make use of drones for crowd management, surveillance purposes & crime scene recording. In addition to conventional surveillance techniques, drones can also be utilized to monitor critical zones, crime hideouts, deep gorges & areas where the terrain is challenging to navigate.

d. Biometric Identification & Fingerprint Analysis. 

The use of biometrics for identification is another area where technology has proven to be highly beneficial. The use of biometric technologies, including eye scanning, face recognition, & fingerprints, has been linked to increased criminal investigations. The use of fingerprints at a crime scene is still an effective method of identifying suspects. The use of biometric databases enables defence agencies to quickly identify suspects by cross-checking them with a database of criminals. By utilizing biometric systems in criminal investigations, the J&K Police could potentially aid their investigation in an area where fugitives may attempt to circumvent arrest by altering their identity or appearance. Fingerprint matching can be a trustworthy approach to identifying suspects in cases of crimes.

e. GPS Tracking & Electronic Monitoring. 

Criminal investigations often involve the use of GPS-based tracking systems & electronic monitoring devices to track the movements of suspects. These are especially useful in cases where long-term tracking of a suspect’s whereabouts are needed. The use of GPS trackers & electronic monitors by authorities can ensure that suspects are following laws such as house arrests, geofencing etc during course of investigations. The J&K Police stated that GPS tracking can aid law enforcement agencies in their efforts to catch criminals. Moreover, law enforcement can access real-time data on crimes like kidnappings, murder plannings & car thefts that could lead to the recovery of lost property or the rescue of victims.

f. Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) 

ALPR technology enables law enforcement to scan & track vehicle license plates automatically. This system can be utilized to patrol perimeter security, monitor movement of suspects, & identify if they have stolen a vehicle or even can track the lost vehicle. Because ALPR can identify vehicles of interest quickly without human intervention, it’s especially useful in densely trafficked urban areas with multiple entry points. The J&K Police could make use of ALPR to oversee crucial entrance & exit points in the region, like non toll post crossings or key roads. Hence, they could monitor the movements of suspects trying to enter or exit sensitive areas or track cars involved in criminal activities. 

Recent Event: Technological advancements are necessary for J&K Police to meet their needs. 

In a recent event in Kashmir, the family of Umar Yaseen, a resident of Nowgam who disappeared from 22^nd Dec 2024 & later found dead at Digdol Ramban eight days prior, is seeking justice for Umar Yaseen with respect to the murder or conspired accident that led to the discovery of his body. In that case & other long pending cases in J&K, the Jammu & Kashmir Police should proceed with their criminal investigations using modern technology. By utilizing state-of-the-art technology, case resolution & crime prevention can be significantly enhanced due to the local law enforcement challenges & crimes. To tackle these problems, the J&K Police should consider investing in cutting-edge technologies such as digital forensics, drone technology, biometric systems, & predictive planning. These technologies would enable the police to maintain order, gather more credible evidence, & respond better to incidents. It would also focus on investigations that are most important to public safety, allowing J&K Police to solve cases faster. 

Application of Big Data Analytics in Criminal Investigations. 

Criminology has been revolutionized by big data analytics, which empowers law enforcement agencies to analyze vast amounts of information in real time & extract relevant insights. Every day, social media, financial transactions, telecommunications, & IoT devices generate vast amounts of data in today’s digital world. These numbers are used by police forces to uncover hidden patterns, & in particular, enable them to solve crimes, identify suspects & help prevent crime. 

The use of advanced techniques like machine learning & predictive modelling enables investigators to efficiently analyze large data, identify suspicious behaviour & give priority to leads for further investigation. Social networking can uncover connections between criminals, while financial transaction enables the identification of illegal financial transactions. However, the application of big data analytics in criminal investigations raises ethical & privacy concerns as well as questions about the collection, storage, & sharing of sensitive personal information. As a result, it is crucial for defence agencies to validate data protection regulations, ensure transparency in their investigation procedures, & protect the rights of individuals while using big data analytics to combat crime effectively. 

Future Technological developments in the field of criminal investigation? 

Rapid technological innovation & changing law enforcement needs are anticipated to pave the way for significant advancements in the use of technology in criminal investigations. Artificial intelligence (AI) & machine learning algorithms are being increasingly integrated into investigative techniques, enabling law enforcement agencies to analyze vast amounts of data more effectively & obtain valuable information. Advanced predictive analytics models will enable investigators to predict criminal activities, identify new threats, & allocate resources wisely. Technology is now a necessary component of criminal investigation, along with an improved approach. By utilizing these technological advancements, the Jammu & Kashmir Police can better manage sensitive security situations in the area. The use of technology can transform investigations, crack the (murder, cyber & terror) cases & improve public safety, including using the advanced surveillance techniques & digital forensics. By adoption of such technologies, J&K can enhance the security situation in their region & improve police force effectiveness. The J&K Police must enhance more technology to remain a forceful in the fight against crime with transparency & excellent policing.

• The author Is Management & IT Professional and can be reached at: er.khalidmustafashah@gmail.com

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