Future Technology and International Investigations: A U.S. Perspective (From Transnational Crime: Investigative Responses, P 89-99, 1989, Harold E Smith, ed. -- See NCJ-120383)

• NCJ Number: 120395
• Author(s): M L Rodriguez
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 11 pages
• Sale Source: University of Illinois at Chicago
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Paper presented at the 3rd Annual Symposium on International Criminal Justice Issues, University of Illinois at Chicago

Annotation

The emergence of national and international organized crime cartels requires the development and application of appropriate law enforcement technology.

Abstract

Organized crime groups on the national and international level are moving to a vantage point where the formation of loose confederations of autonomous criminal groups results in economic benefits for all group members. The national and international aspect of criminal activity poses a unique challenge to law enforcement, and a single law enforcement agency cannot cope with crime of this complexity. Information sharing is essential and can be accomplished through informal, semiformal, and formal networking. Formal networking is the most effective arena for action against organized international crime, for example, the exchange of information between the U.S. Customs Office and the West German National Police. Technological advances relevant to the fight against organized crime include the Automated Fingerprint Identification System, digitized fingerprint transmission, DNA identification, and the Direct Electronic Fingerprinting System. The U.S. Department of Justice publishes a directory of automated criminal justice information systems in use by various agencies throughout the United States. On an international level, Interpol is the agency in a position to automate and apply technology to criminal investigations.