Technology has made significant progress in modern investigations, enabling the more accurate tracking and apprehension of suspects and the faster collection of evidence. Investigations relying on human labor have been replaced by computers and autonomous systems. In investigations, technology refers to the use of digital systems and modern tools to support investigative work. These tools help investigators collect evidence, analyze information, and identify suspects more efficiently. Technologies such as artificial intelligence, databases, and CCTV systems play a critical role in this process. By using technology, investigations become less dependent on human limitations such as fatigue, stress, or personal bias.
In the past, investigations relied on human skills. Attempts were made to solve cases using physical evidence, witness statements, and reports. With the invention of the computer in the 20th century, which played a major role in the development of technology to its current state, technology began to play a significant role in investigations. Information is no longer stored in archives on thousands of pages of paper, but in digital storage units. Today, with the advancements in modern technology, processes are carried out more quickly and accurately.
The most significant technological tools contributing to modern investigations are artificial intelligence, databases, and closed-circuit camera systems. AI can analyze evidence quickly and with minimal error, solving human tasks that might take days with just a few commands. Databases can store crucial information such as investigation reports, camera footage, and crime scene photographs, which can fill pages. Closed-circuit camera systems, for example, can significantly facilitate tracking a suspect by filtering images from cameras in public areas based on characteristics such as clothing color or car model/make.
A Practical Example: Simple CCTV Prototype
As an example of closed-circuit camera systems, I would like to share a simple system I designed myself. That system demonstrate how useful technology can be , even in such a simple example. I designed my project using Python, a popular programming language . My program scans the camera connected to the computer detects three captured colors and marks the detected area , and indicates the color . Imagine a crowded pedestrian street , and let’s say the suspect you are looking for is wearing a red sweater. With this program, polices can filter and classify people or objects by color, making suspect tracking easier.
Photo Credits
Featured Image: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63d40fe2cbd65e16cb8098b6/1678134763803-PJOOWJ1E7JDNE8C6OU2M/AI%2Bin%2BCriminal%2BJustice.jpeg
Photo 2: https://www.nist.gov/image/dr-wilmer-souder-national-bureau-standards-identification-laboratory
Photo 3: https://vedicon.in/digital-forensics/
Photo 4: Created with https://chatgpt.com/