You Have Just Graduated From The AIU Online Criminal Justice

You Have Just Graduated From The Aiu Online Criminal Justice Program A

You have just graduated from the AIU Online Criminal Justice program and acquired your dream career working with the National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS). You love to write articles of criminal justice interest, and because the NCJRS provides links to millions and millions of criminal justice references, you find yourself in awe of your career. For your first assignment, you have been asked to present a report at an upcoming criminal justice conference. This report will help your colleagues better understand how databases, technology, policies, and so forth affect the administration of justice and the outcome of court cases in particular. Your training coordinator expects you to highlight several examples of how criminal justice databases, computer technology, and policies have changed the way in which crimes are investigated and how criminals are brought to justice. Pick 2 of the following databases, and address how technology tools and policies have changed the legal landscape in the United States in a 4-page paper: Fingerprint analysis DNA databases Ballistics testing Tire-tread analysis Tracking of illegal pornographic images Modus operandi databases Three-strikes laws Gun control laws The USA PATRIOT Act Megan’s law Domestic violence laws The exclusionary rule Lie detectors Inmate classification systems Truth-in-sentencing laws

Paper For Above instruction

The evolution of criminal justice technology and policies has significantly transformed the landscape of law enforcement and the judiciary process in the United States. Two prominent databases that exemplify this transformation are DNA databases and ballistic testing databases. These technological advancements have not only enhanced investigative efficiency but also improved the accuracy of evidence collection, leading to more effective crime solving and justice delivery.

DNA databases, such as the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), have revolutionized the identification process by allowing law enforcement agencies to compare biological evidence from crime scenes with offender data. Introduced in the 1990s, CODIS has expanded to include millions of DNA profiles, facilitating the rapid matching of evidence to known suspects or previously convicted offenders. This technological tool has drastically increased the resolution rate of violent crimes such as rape and homicide. Notably, the implementation of DNA databases has led to numerous wrongful conviction overturns and the apprehension of cold cases that remained unsolved for decades (Lynn et al., 2019). Furthermore, policies surrounding DNA collection, such as mandatory DNA sampling from certain offenders, have strengthened data repositories, but also raised ethical and privacy concerns regarding biometric data usage (Lynch & Cole, 2019). The balancing act between public safety and individual rights continues to shape policy adjustments in this domain.

Ballistics testing databases, exemplified by the Integrated Ballistics Identification System (IBIS), serve as another crucial technological advancement. These databases compile firearm and ammunition markings to facilitate firearm identification across multiple investigations. By digitizing ballistic evidence and creating searchable repositories, law enforcement agencies can link crimes involving firearms unknowingly related or perpetrated with the same weapon, even across jurisdictions. The advent of such technology has increased the speed of investigations and strengthened prosecutorial cases, particularly in serial shootings and gun-related homicides (Evans & Harries, 2018). Policies that govern access to and sharing of ballistic data are essential in maintaining the system's integrity while ensuring effective cooperation among agencies. Additionally, privacy regulations and data sharing agreements have evolved to address concerns about misuse or unauthorized access, emphasizing the importance of balancing technological benefits with civil liberties (Williams & Roberts, 2020).

In conclusion, the integration of DNA and ballistic testing databases represents a paradigm shift driven by technological innovation and policy development. These tools have significantly improved the ability of law enforcement to identify suspects accurately, solve cold cases, and prevent future crimes. As technology continues to evolve, ongoing policy adjustments will be crucial to safeguarding civil liberties while maximizing the effectiveness of these databases for the administration of justice.

References

  • Evans, J., & Harries, P. (2018). The impact of ballistics data sharing on firearm investigations. Journal of Criminal Justice Technology, 12(3), 45-59.
  • Lynn, A., Redmann, C., & Steury, T. (2019). The forensic DNA revolution: Impacts on criminal justice. Forensic Science Review, 31(2), 65-78.
  • Lynch, M., & Cole, S. (2019). Privacy implications of forensic DNA databanks. Law and Human Behavior, 43(4), 289-297.
  • Williams, R., & Roberts, E. (2020). Policy considerations in ballistics database management. Journal of Law Enforcement Policy, 15(1), 112-125.

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