Published on 06 Feb 2025
Technology and security
With tremendous advancement in technology there have been changes in criminal activities across the world. Crimes have become more technology driven making them more difficult to be tracked down. To counter this law enforcement agencies have also integrated new technologies into their operation to enhance capabilities and to improve their efficiency.
Using technology in law enforcement
Predictive policing: Use of data analysis and algorithm to forecast where crimes are likely to occur, thus mark potential hotspots and deter criminal activity.
Example: Operation Safer Streets by Mumbai police to predict and prevent crimes in high-risk areas.
Facial Recognition technology: Identifying individuals based on their facial features thus discovering criminals or missing persons.
Example: Delhi police used FRT during Kumbh Mela to identify missing children.
Drones and UAV: Police use them for aerial surveillance, crime scene surveillance or to track suspects. They are also critical for search and rescue operations.
Example: Goa police used drone-based surveillance for the G-20 meeting.
Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality: VR and AR technologies can recreate crime scenes for training purposes, enabling officers to practice scenarios in a safe and controlled environment.
Example:Virtual Reality is being used by the Kerala Police Academy in Thrissur to help trainees and new recruits.
Smart policing app: Mobile apps that allows officers real time access to criminal databases, warrant information and aids in completing administrative tasks in the field.
Example: Punjab Police Seva app allows citizens to report crimes, track cases and request services.
Gunshot detection system: These systems use sensors and acoustic technology to detect and locate gunshots in urban areas thus responding more rapidly to shooting incidents.
Crime mapping: Advanced data analytics tools help agencies analyse crime data to identify trends, visualize resources, allocate resources, and develop effective strategies.
Biometric identification: Used to identify suspects quickly with little risk of mistaken identity.
Thus, law enforcement agencies have also shown the flexibility to incorporate new age technology to improve the efficiency of their working.
Security
Cyber security
Technology in law enforcement
Law enforcement
General Studies Paper 3
Cybersecurity