NCJ Number
131231
Date Published
1990
Length
292 pages
Annotation
The book reprints the lectures and discussions of a seminar conducted by the West German Bureau of Criminal Investigation (Bundeskriminalamt) from November 7 to November 10, 1990.
Abstract
German police officers had come together to be informed about state-of-the-art technology with which criminal investigators counter the increased use of technology in crimes. Eleven experts spoke on the role of technology in collecting and analyzing evidence, internal police communications, and communications with other European police forces. Special attention was given to difficulties in the acquisition, maintenance, and proper use of modern technology as well as personnel training. Recent technological acquisitions of the BKA were demonstrated to small groups of the audience including equipment for detecting and analyzing pollutants; FISH, a forensic information system for handwriting identification; laser technology which makes fingerprints visible; and DNA analysis. In the farewell address, the organizers expressed satisfaction that so many officers had attended as a wide dissemination of technological know-how is the key to preventing the emergence of technological cliques and subcultures within the police force.