Science has played a significant role in detecting and proving
crimes since the days of Sherlock Holmes. Today, most police forces around the
world use technology derived from science to bring criminals to justice.
Traditional methods of detection, such as footprint and fingerprint casts, have
been greatly enhanced by scientific advancements.
Fingerprinting, which was invented by Francis Galton in Great
Britain, has been fundamental to detection for decades. Fingerprints are now
held on computers, and information can be exchanged instantly throughout the
country. The efficiency of this system is greatly enhanced by cooperation with
other countries' crime information centers.
Records of convicted criminals are now held on microfilm and as computer data,
which can be instantly retrieved and made available overseas. DNA printing has
recently revolutionized the process of bringing criminals to justice and
establishing paternity. Polygraphs, or lie detectors, are not widely accepted as
infallible, but they can record nervous tensions.
Interrogation is an important part of criminal investigation, but civilized
countries no longer allow drugs, psychological pressure, or physical torture.
Taped interviews have been used to overcome abuse, though they can still be
falsified.
Observation by police who know their areas intimately has been an effective
means of crime detection and prevention. However, this is being replaced by
police car patrols, which some view as retrograde.
Despite these advancements, crime is still on the rise in many countries. The
decline in religious faith and observance, which instills moral standards into
children, may be a factor in this trend. |