Criminal Identification Procedures

Paper Summary:

This paper reviews the advantages and disadvantages of many of new law enforcement technologies, including DNA analysis, biometric identification, wire tapping and intra-agency databases for reviewing DNA. The paper then assesses the impact each of these technologies has on the constitutional rights of those involved in the criminal investigations. The author points out that surveillance technology, including DNA analysis, database compilation and wire tapping, may prevent major criminal disasters or alert law enforcement agents to potential threats, including terrorist threats, at a stage where early intervention may protect human lives; however, multiple costs, such as increasing paranoia and impeding the public's ability to maintain their privacy and anonymity, are associated with the implementation of such technological advances. The paper stresses that law enforcement agents need to educate better the public about the potential advantages of certain technologies, including offering the public information about crime fighting statistics in relation to this technology.

Table of Contents
New Technologies and Criminal Justice
Recommendations

From the Paper:

"Those in favor of new technologies claim that much of technology including DNA databases are used for identification purposes only and to enhance the efficiency and efficacy of crime fighters at work. Such information databases may prove very beneficial for example in supporting law enforcement agents interested in early interaction and intervention to help defend the population from serious threats including terrorism. Such practices however may go too far when they include surveying the population at large with little regard for privacy or respect."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Blitz, M.J. (2005). "The dangers of fighting terrorism with techno-communitarianism: Constitutional protections of free expression, exploration and unmonitored activity in urban spaces." Fordham Urban Law Journal, 32(4): 677.
• Schwartz, P.M. (2000). "Internet privacy and the state," Connecticut Law Review, 815(1): 820-7.
• Schwartz, J. (1999). "For sale in Iceland: A nation's genetic code: Deal with research firm highlights conflicting views of progress, privacy and ethics." Washington Post, Jan 12, A1.
• Solove, D.J. (2001). "Privacy and power: computer databases and metaphors for information privacy." Stanford Law Review, 53(6): 1393.

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