Read Me First (CJ Specific)

Read Me FirstCJA/304 Version 41

Week Four Read Me Firsttechnological communicationIntroduction

Rapid and ongoing technological change has become a fact of life for criminal justice professionals, and many government agencies have adopted new and sophisticated forms of communication. Some technological advances are highly beneficial to the criminal justice field, such as efficient and mobile communication devices and instant access to personal data, but some advances in technology actually complicate investigations, assist existing criminal activity, or have become types of criminal activity, such as computer crimes and the connection of such crimes to fraud and identity theft, as well as computer-related violent crimes such as cyber bullying and cyber stalking. (Wallace & Roberson, 2009) When it comes to using new technology to communicate, you must understand the advantages and potential consequences of electronic communication. For example, one potential advantage and disadvantage is the instantaneous nature of e-mail, which helps provide efficiency of communication, but also has no barriers. This Week in Relation to the Course

Different aspects of the course may require different perspectives as you explore the use of technology during interviews and other investigative interactions. Consider this class as an opportunity to change strategies, modify protocols, or simply become more efficient when using technology for electronic communication. New technology can change established procedures and result in new processes, which may be an opportunity to inspire feedback and suggest new changes.

Discussion of a Key Point, Thread, or Objective

Familiarize yourself with the following key terms:

Mobile data terminal (MDT) Department terminal Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) National Crime Information Center (NCIC) National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) E-mail

Practical Applications and Questions

Technology is, and will continue to be, important to criminal justice systems. For example, during an interview or interrogation, it may be necessary to administer a polygraph test. As you complete this weeks assignments and readings, ask yourself what current or future technologies may aid in the communication process and how.How Tools, Readings, and Simulations Help Solidify Concepts

The text reviews many of the technological advances police are currently using. You may be familiar with many of these common tools and technologies. In addition, the text reviews many current criminal activities that involve using a computer. Refer to the text and compare older methods of committing crimes to new methods made possible through technology. Technology has either made certain crimes obsolete or has made them more advanced and more difficult to investigate. The text may not refer to the most recent technologies, but it describes how technology has affected all forms of the criminal justice system.

SummaryRapid and ongoing change is, and always will be, a fact of life in the law enforcement field. As technology continues to advance, new technologies become available for use in criminal justice settings to assist officers and law enforcement workers. Regardless of advances in criminal justice technology, it is important to note that communication will always rely on human senses for crime detection and protection. References

Wallace, H., & Roberson, C. (2009). Written and interpersonal communication: Methods for law enforcement (4th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.

Copyright 2013 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved.