Introduction
The objective of this paper is to utilize the internet to solve crimes. The three types of methods that are proposed to be discussed are:
- Fingerprints matching
- DNA tests
- Biometric tests include Iris recognition.
Its main objective is to seek ways and means by which the devious and nefarious deeds of criminals are prevented and strong robust technology could help arrest the culprits and also exonerate innocents languishing in jails due to miscarriage of justice.
Fingerprints matching
Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS) is a Federal fingerprint and criminal record archiving system developed and maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). This has tremendous potential for the electronic retrieval of fingerprints in real-time. The modus operandi of the IAFIS is as follows:
The fingerprints are taken after arrest, processed locally, and then electronically transmitted to state or federal agencies for processing. “The fingerprints are then electronically forwarded through the CJIS Wide Area Network (WAN) to the FBI’s IAFIS for processing. Mailed ten-print fingerprint cards are converted to an electronic format for processing in the IAFIS environment.” (Criminal Ten Print Finger Print Identification Submission).
Thus, the results of searches are made electronically and also have details of potential matching profiles and their equivalent fingerprints for similar and equivalent fingerprints for identification and association by the initiating agency.
Thus it is seen that the IAFIS, formed in 1999, is a major institution which is responsible for the maintenance of the “largest biometric database in the world, containing the fingerprints and corresponding criminal history information for more than 55 million subjects in the Criminal Master File.” (Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System or IAFIS: What is it).
DNA Testing
To identify individuals, forensic scientists scan thirteen different DNA areas or characteristics. These differ from person to person, and often they use such information to create a DNA profile, pertaining to that individual. For instance, from the scene of a crime, forensic police officers and detectives may recover hair strands, a sample of saliva, footprints, or other vital evidence. With the help of this, they would create a DNA basis of the likely characteristic of the potential offender. When suspects are held, their DNA samples are taken, and electronically matched with that of the DNA samples recovered from the scene of the crime.
It is very likely that the DNA samples of the likely suspect would match on maximum scores, though not fully. Hence, police may be able to narrow down the search, and even seek ways and means to extract confessions from the suspect, through the positive use of DNA testing. The world of crime-fighting has received a tremendous boost with the use of “Deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA. DNA can be used to identify criminals with incredible accuracy when biological evidence exists. By the same token, DNA can be used to clear suspects and exonerate persons mistakenly accused or convicted of crimes. In all, DNA technology is increasingly vital to ensuring accuracy and fairness in the criminal justice system.” (Using DNA to Solve Crimes).
Although DNA tests could not be said to be 100% foolproof it could be said that it has a very high degree of accuracy and acceptability, especially in making positive identifications and establishing parenthood, etc. One of its greatest advantages is that DNA tests could go a long way in negating the guilt of people held under wrong charges since the DNA profiles would provide a reasonably well determined negative result when other evidences for incarceration would be positive. In the United States many courts have exonerated suspects on the basis of negative DNA results and condemned others on positive DNA, with or without confessional statements.
Biometric advancements
This includes the use of iris recognition, hand geometry in the use of crime-fighting mechanisms. This is the technology that has come about in forensic crime-solving.
“Iris recognition is the process of recognizing a person by analyzing the apparent pattern of his or her iris.“ (Ernst). Though a recent development, iris recognition is widely being seen as a high potential crime-fighting device in the years to come primarily for the reasons that no two iris contours of humans are alike, and also, it would be comparatively difficult to provide deception, identity thefts or frauds using iris changes. Iris recognition, in combination with other biometric tools, is in wide usage in the United Kingdom, including the issue of biometric passports to prevent illegitimate arrival into, and departure from the United Kingdom. Again, “In the public sector, biometrics – not just fingerprints, but iris recognition – are already in use in our border controls, as we strengthen the powers and surveillance capability of our border guards and security officers and giving them the technology they need.“ (Brown).
It is seen that the use of biometrics, although a recent phenomenon, has gained lot of currency in recent times, post 9/11. The looming face of unknown terror could strike any moment, and US administration needs to be fully prepared for it, leaving nothing to chance, or fortuitous circumstances. It is also seen that nobody, either in the US or outside the Homeland would want a repeat of 9/11, and thus highest standards of vigilance and security need to be observed at all times at the borders and beyond.
Conclusions
While the matter of establishing guilt rests with the law enforcement agencies and the judiciary, it needs to be mentioned that, just as the profile of crimes are changing over time, the crime fighting mechanism and handing over of wanted fugitives, to the due process of law also need to undergo sea changes. The three methods discussed above, finger prints matching, DNA testing and biometric testing are just a few of the various methods that could be used in making a vital difference in global crime fighting through internet.
It is also necessary that the world crime fighting units should unite, disseminate vital information and dossiers and work as a cohesive and well knit unit in fighting the dreaded menace of crime and violence in whichever manifestations it may occur. Moreover, it is in the best interests of world peace bodies and law enforcement agencies that a global united front be established to fight crime and crime abating individuals, agencies and organizations, however powerful and well presented they may be. This is not only in the interests of peacekeeping forces in the civilized society but also to thwart the future designs of anti-social elements in the world.
Works Cited
Brown, Gordon. Gordon Brown Speaks: Role of Biometrics & Iris Recognition to Fight Terrorists. Public Technology. 2006. Web.
Criminal Ten Print Finger Print Identification Submission. IAFIS: Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System. 2008. Web.
Ernst, Jan. The Iris Recognition: Definition. 2002. Web.
Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System or IAFIS: What is it. IAFIS: Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System. 2008. Web.
Using DNA to Solve Crimes. 2008. Web.