The Use Of Information Technology For Intelligence-driven Prosecution
New York City’s criminality is reportedly declining dramatically due to an increase in the number of surveillance cameras. CompStat features a database of all reported crimes in New York City, including complaints and arrests. CompStat is a personalized crime mapping program that helps New York City’s police force prevent crimes by sending detailed data gathered through the citywide database directly to 76 Precincts. The time and location where the arrest was made, the complaint or the reported crime is included in the data. It helps officers deploy their resources effectively. CompStat data is used to generate reports which include information about the number of complaints against police officers, arrests made at various precincts or patrol boroughs. These maps show crime hotspots as well as crime locations. They also provide information that can help NYPD senior leadership develop strategies to combat crime. CompStat data is used to alert people when an arrested priority defendant (someone who law enforcement closely tracks) is found. Prosecutors or parole officers receive an automatic emailed with all the details. This system also assists district attorneys in ensuring that the impact of criminal activity on a defendant is considered when making decisions about charging, bail, or sentencing. The alert system will be updated to reflect any changes in the community.
CompStat, for example, is a technology that creates long-lasting records and actively updates them. Minor offenses are not grounds for arrest. The criminal record of a person who is arrested for minor offenses (ex. Criminal Records are a major obstacle to finding a good job, getting a mortgage, applying for citizenship or entering other countries. In response to Trump’s Mexican government ban, thousands have been deported for having criminal records. Minor offenses are recorded as criminal records, which prevent offenders from moving on for the duration that they remain in place. For example, an arresting officer may stop a teenager for jaywalking because he was wearing “gang”-related clothing, even though he is not a gangster. Although the teenager isn’t a member of any gangs, his arrest can still affect his life in the future. To make the best decisions, district attorneys need detailed information to decide on charges, bail, and sentences. These information must be valid to differentiate minor offenders from serious criminals. NYPD departments are required to deploy their resources more efficiently and avoid wasting them on areas that they don’t need. They must also maintain privacy for sensitive data. In order to protect the offender, police must decide the level of public access for minor crimes. Technology should not determine guilt or innocence, but rather provide evidence and data to support criminal prosecution.
