Introduction
Learning is a constant process in which information and experience are transformed into talents and knowledge. It is a two-way avenue that includes both the student and the educator and leads to knowledge and capacity growth. According to Ryan (2022), instructional strategies that relate the new material to the learner’s past knowledge are employed in learning to encourage expressive understanding. Contemporary strategies in education settings are critical and have a significant influence on the criminal justice system. Active learning is mostly preferred over traditional lecture techniques since it enables the trainees to grasp the content and helps them develop their potential abilities.
Consequently, learning can be considered an essential component of every human endeavor, including criminal justice. Instructional innovations within the context of technological advancement may be utilized to educate criminal justice practitioners. Furthermore, education is required in community prisons to avoid crime and to socialize criminals in the long term. Thus, using technology in education to improve learning outcomes helps the attainment of desired objectives. The thesis statement is how technology adoption, promotion of innovations, and technological advancements within criminal justice systems and correctional facilities support the achievement of learning outcomes.
This research will first examine the nature of learning in criminal justice systems, followed by how technological advances in learning might be leveraged to educate criminal justice professionals. Similarly, this study will discuss the importance of education in community correctional centers for recurrence, prevention, and prisoners’ future socialization. Finally, this research will demonstrate how technology in this education facilitates learning outcomes and promotes fulfilling these objectives.
Learning and Criminal Justice Systems
A school’s systemic structure often elicits desirable learner conduct through several motivating methods. The most prevalent techniques are formal procedures of rules with associated consequences, grades, and training learners to perceive that future rewards like money, success, status, and career are inextricably linked to outstanding student achievement (Broughel & Thierer, 2019). A third and somewhat uncommon motivating method is the inclusion of a genuine chance for learners to appreciate and be drawn to the training opportunity inside the intended teaching style (Belshaw, 2019). Ultimately, many motivational techniques rely on behavioral cues beyond the learning experience, while others are intrinsic and focus on the current actions of the learners in criminal justice systems.
Significantly, learning inspires action by shaping the learners’ personalities. Extrinsic motivational systems are thought to be the most likely to produce reactive delinquency because minds, emotions, and physical energy are attained through learning and not absorbed gratifyingly. Consequently, alternative behaviors arise to fill the desire for challenge and excitement in the criminal justice system (Cornet & Van, 2020). Classroom disruption, destruction, and school-based violence are attempts by teenagers to find pleasure in otherwise lifeless classrooms (Cath, 2018). Concentrated attempts to engage learners at levels of self-motivation are advocated as the most efficient strategy for attracting them to good intellectual and emotional growth processes. Activities eliciting intrinsic motivation in criminal justice systems are, by definition, completely engrossing so that nothing else is required for fulfillment in the present instant1. Specific methods for accomplishing desired behavior in a school setting are being developed across the globe to facilitate an accommodating environment free from crime and enhance peace, unity, equity, and socialization.
Importance of Technology and Innovations in Criminal Justice Education
Technology pervades every element of human existence and is an essential component of the legal sector and criminal justice education. GPS systems, robotics, and sophisticated cameras are legal technology used in the criminal justice systems and education. Involved are also high-end computer models and data networks (Broughel & Thierer, 2019). In reaction to technological advancements, the area of criminal justice has developed as well. The state and federal governments have backed new police technical advancements since 2002 (Todak et al., 2018). One is True-allele, a software application that examines DNA using a statistical procedure known as probabilistic genotyping (Belshaw, 2019). All these technologies enhance espionage and inspection and improve analytical operations.
Currently, police officers are equipped with a form of mobile data interface in their vehicles. This technology allows the police to communicate with a centralized dispatch bureau. Maps, CAD drawings, and emergency plans can also be shown on a mobile data terminal (Guadamor, 2021). Equally, police emergency responders often employ cutting-edge mobile phone technology (Cath, 2018). Among these are computer-aided dispatch software and other computer technologies. Custodians and evidence techs use inventory management software to promote quality and objective evidence and crime detection. These technologies assist them in keeping track of cargo rooms and other sensitive sectors.
More so, dispatchers maintain track of dispatch officers and case numbers using floppy disks, paper, and pencils for exercise and service log calls. However, such tasks can now be done more sophisticatedly using dispatch software. In many agencies, GPS devices are now incorporated into officers’ laptops or automobiles (Cornet & Van, 2020). The officers’ positions are reported to the dispatch headquarters by these units. As a result, operators can establish which patrol unit is closest to a call (Guimaraes et al., 2018). Equally, the technology enables criminal professionals to serve individuals in the least amount of time feasible. It also assists dispatch centers in recording radio broadcasts and phone conversations.
Consequently, computer programs have infiltrated practically every aspect of police enforcement. They are linked to various vocations, from autonomous camera systems to DNA testing. The use of technology and new technology in law enforcement is increasing significantly in the contemporary world. Equally, in-car computers assist criminal professionals in performing routine tasks. The technology boosts efficiency, saves paperwork, and creates traffic citations (Guadamor, 2021). Digitalized report writing can enhance data-collecting accuracy while saving money for police departments (Cornet & Van, 2020). The police car, equipped with a printer onboard, can provide a duplicate document to the offender. Payment and time reporting may now be completed online in criminal systems. Aside from manufacturing, electronics are also utilized for document transfer within the legal sector. In certain situations, police can provide these reports online (Rigano, 2019). The utilization of computer technology reduces grammatical and spelling mistakes caused by a manual entry, such as misspellings of suspects’ names or omitting crucial information. Significantly, computers promote the ability to rapidly upload reports to internet police platforms, consequently speeding up processing (Cath, 2018). Additionally, automatic report backup removes the stress of manual report loss, damage, or theft.
DNA technology is possibly the most intriguing modern innovation in criminal justice. True-allele, produced by cyber genetics, is among the most widely accessible software applications. True-allele examines DNA using a scientific technique known as probabilistic genotyping (Cath, 2018). This statistical approach for forensic DNA may be used instead of physically analyzing DNA and is incredibly beneficial for tiny or mixed samples. Before this technology, the fingerprint was one of the few measures of recognition that could be employed. While no DNA method is 100% accurate at the moment, the ability to employ probabilistic genotyping can free innocent individuals from prison (Belshaw, 2019). Because perfect individualization is unachievable, focusing on the probability of outcomes is vital. The issue with this technology is that it is regarded as infallible, which might influence the direction of the investigation and, eventually, how much evidence is judged in court.
In recent years, a new approach to examining every component of a murder scene has emerged in criminal justice education; 3D imaging of crime scenes. This amazing scanning technique is something out of a science fiction film. This technology examines a crime scene in three dimensions, toggling between drawings and images. This manner may show a crime scene in great detail (Busuioc, 2021). The collection of legal technologies for the criminal justice system continues to grow. Body-worn monitors, through-the-wall radar systems, advanced analytical software, and other technologies are also available in the legal sector. While some gadgets have yet to be thoroughly tested, others are contentious. Law enforcement authorities are recognizing the importance of these instruments all around the world. Many departments are incorporating new technology into their daily operations.
Importance of Education in Community Corrections
Correctional education is a critical component of the rehabilitative programs in juvenile justice institutions, several prison institutions in America, and many prison centers. Individuals with lower-than-average educational attainment are over-represented in correctional populations. Education “behind bars” provides a chance for jailed individuals to prepare for success once released (Cornet & Van, 2020). Nonetheless, correctional facilities in the U. S. are operated by a diverse range of administrative bodies, and onsite prison educational curriculums are provided by many organizations (Belshaw, 2019). Consequently, to organize and strengthen efforts to provide opportunities for education in correctional facilities, many federal education initiatives have funded education in local and state jails. This section will address the significance of education in community corrections for mitigating the recurrence of crime and criminals’ subsequent socialization.
Firstly, correctional education contributes to the cognitive development of criminals. Speaking, writing, reading, listening, and scientific thinking are definite aspects of cognitive skills. It is often assumed that many criminals are illiterate and have poor reading and writing abilities. Enhanced cognitive skills may help criminals seek employment once released from jail (Busuioc, 2021). Acquiring knowledge and being a lifelong learner are all prisoners controlled and evidence-based mindset shifts. Correctional educators rehabilitate prisoners who lack cognitive skills by developing critical thinking skills, promoting discussion, and applying course learning to their students’ life.2 More so, technical education programs are more beneficial since they address career mindsets, develop skills, and lower recidivism rates. According to Re & Solow-Niederman (2019), correctional education programs diminish natural barriers to effective reintegration by improving prisoners’ intellectual, cognitive, and life abilities. However, it is critical to connect correctional education programs with risk factors.
Secondly, correctional education lowers recidivism. Correctional education is crucial in lowering rates of recidivism in prison systems. However, experts have not yet achieved a consensus on the concept of recidivism, although it may be linked to “re-arrest through reconviction to imprisonment in the case of inmates (Cole et al., 2021). Recidivism is a behavior mechanism or trend in which previously convicted criminals in correctional institutions or correctional institutions re-offend and are re-admitted to detention centers (Guimaraes et al., 2018). In general, the recidivism frequency is used to assess the effectiveness of correctional teaching in prisons. For example, recent research found that ex-offenders who completed college programs in detention centers had lower recidivism rates than the comparison group.3 As a result, empirical research suggests that educated criminals are more likely to minimize recidivism (Williamson, 2021). This empirical finding is consistent with a group of researchers who assert that recidivism rates among former offenders who pursued correctional education are low (Lochner, 2020). Correctional education is effective in lowering recidivism rates because it addresses criminogenic needs.
Correctional education significantly promotes law-abiding citizens. Offenders attending schools in correctional facilities are subjected to well-structured correctional educational programs that equip them for successful lives as law-abiding and productive citizens once released. All criminals undertaking the educational curriculums in a well-organized supervised, safe correctional facility are prepared for active citizenship (Busuioc, 2021). Transforming criminals into law-abiding individuals in communities entails that certain requirements compatible with people’s lifestyles have been reached. Notably, education fosters the realization of certain potentials and the creation of the genuine self, a self with hope for a better future (Williamson, 2021). Evidence shows that correctional education programs that teach marketable skills are effective.
Furthermore, correctional education improves the socioeconomic status of convicts. Correctional education can improve communities’ socioeconomic position if ex-offenders can find work upon their release. This viewpoint is predicated on the fact that the profile of persons detained indicates impoverishment, illiteracy, and social insufficiency by societal norms. A criminal who obtains education while jailed is likelier to be released with a positive outlook and be a productive citizen of society. This viewpoint is consistent with recent research findings that outline correctional education’s economic and social advantages (Cole et al., 2021). The prevailing belief is that former offenders may be equipped for reintegration into society if correctional education management focuses on providing them with skills that save money while simultaneously improving their living standards (Tsado & Kim, 2022). Work may assist ex-offenders in maintaining their families, living productive lives, learning new skills, and boosting their confidence. In essence, obtaining education and work prospects provides offenders with a sense of self-worth and belonging, in addition to a societal role that fosters inclusion, engagement, and economic and social well-being.
Furthermore, correctional education maintains public safety. Improvement of public safety is among the primary goals of adopting offender rehabilitation programs. However, policymakers and the public, in general, may perceive prison education programs as a waste of government funds on an unworthy populace. However, these programs may bring public health and safety advantages and aspects of society, including correctional economic costs in several circumstances (Tsado & Kim, 2022). This perception stems from the fact that convicts who completed correctional education appear to live prosperous lives following their release4. An overriding belief is that finding work reduces recidivism rates. Ultimately, lowered recidivism rates attained through education may be beneficial to society at large.
Significantly, incorporation of education in correctional centers lowers the potential expenses of incarceration institutions. Various studies show that criminals who enroll in education while incarcerated are much less inclined to return to correctional institutions. Therefore, it is to the public’s best advantage to educate all individuals, especially if this intervention delivers a pro-social, engaged citizen. In many circumstances, incarceration expenditures are huge; hence, correctional education may lead to significant savings for taxpayers (Broughel & Thierer, 2019). Similarly, research indicates that the costs of imprisonment in societies, along with the expenses of crime, lost wages due to incarceration, and the expenditure on welfare transfers to families, result in a financial burden for the government (Ryan, 2022). In contrast, evidence shows that correctional education prisoners may earn high wages (Cole et al., 2021). This element may benefit the country’s economy by lowering wrongdoing and recidivism rates. The notion is that reductions in crime recurrence could save significant expenditures associated with maintaining the recidivist criminal in jail for lengthy periods.
Finally, correctional education enhances literacy levels in communities. Notably, many prisoners have very little or no schooling experience at all. As a result, they are entitled to schooling to overcome earlier educational deficits. Conversely, ex-offenders struggle to get work due to insufficient work experience and poor literacy levels (Busuioc, 2021). The outcomes of a study revealed that comprehension reading impairments predict the seriousness, persistence, and continuation of violating behavior after release (Re & Solow-Niederman, 2019). As a result, correctional education bridges this gap by increasing reading levels in preparation for reintegration into communities (Cole et al., 2021). In general, prioritizing criminal literacy demands in prison systems tends to boost the likelihood of gaining work and pursuing education after release, which may lead to lower recidivism rates5. Adults at correctional facilities, on the other hand, may elect to attend classes in physical and health instruction or the sector of creative art rather than formal studies. As such, remedial education programs are seen as crucial in avoiding delinquency.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Law enforcement personnel and individuals in the judicial framework are increasingly embracing technology to combat crime as technology is utilized to perpetrate more sophisticated crimes. The criminal justice system ought to employ cutting-edge technology, tracking systems, and other tools to keep the public secure and safeguard human life. Modern criminal justice students are at the frontline of life-saving technologies by utilizing intriguing technologies that are now playing a vital part in the criminal justice industry. Thus, using technology in education can improve learning outcomes and help to attain desired goals in the criminal justice setting. However, raising literacy skills does not have to be limited to formal lessons; it may also be accomplished by providing offenders with access to a range of reading materials. Utilizing technology within education boosts learner engagement and allows teachers to customize lesson plans, resulting in a greater transfer of information. Most operations across the globe currently require technology, and incorporating it into school will help pupils prepare holistically to handle the world’s concerns. Technology also provides multiple delivery options and makes education more engaging and entertaining.
References
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Cole, G. F., Smith, C. E., & DeJong, C. (2021). Criminal justice in America. Cengage Learning.
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Lochner, L. (2020). Education and crime. In The economics of education (pp. 109–117). Academic Press.
Re, R. M., & Solow-Niederman, A. (2019). We are developing artificially intelligent justice. Stan. Tech. L. Rev., 22, 242.
Rigano, C. (2019). Using artificial intelligence to address criminal justice needs. National Institute of Justice Journal, pp. 280, 1–10.
Ryan, M. J. (2022). Understanding Criminal Justice Innovations. Journal of Law & Innovation (Forthcoming, 2022).
Todak, N., Gaub, J. E., & White, M. D. (2018). The importance of external stakeholders for police body-worn camera diffusion. They are policing: An International Journal.
Tsado, L., & Kim, J. S. (2022). Assessing the Practical Cybersecurity Skills Gained Through Criminal Justice Academic Programs to Benefit Security Operations Centers (SOCs). Journal of Cybersecurity Education, Research and Practice, 2022(1), 2.
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Footnotes
- Todak, N., Gaub, J. E., & White, M. D. 2018. The importance of external stakeholders for police body-worn camera diffusion. p. 334.
- Brownsword, R. (2019). Law, technology, and society: Re-imagining the regulatory environment. Routledge
- Brownsword, R. (2019). Law, technology, and society: Re-imagining the regulatory environment. Routledge
- Williamson, B. (2021). Education technology seizes a pandemic opening. Current History, 120(822), 15–20.
- Brownsword, R. (2019). Law, technology, and society: Re-imagining the regulatory environment. Routledge