Technology in Criminal Justice: Efficiency and Fairness

By Dr. Matthew Loux and Bryce Loux  |  10/28/2025

The effects of technology have revolutionized the criminal justice system, as well as public safety and society. Over time, technology such as fingerprinting and artificial intelligence (AI) has been utilized to streamline:

• Solving crimes
• Catching criminals
• Passing justice

However, the introduction of technology in criminal justice has also raised issues of ethics, privacy, and justice. The more we understand the consequences of technological changes in this field, the better we can prepare for a future where justice is faster, more precise, and equitable.

The Advancement of Technology in Law Enforcement

Law enforcement work has been positively impacted by technological advancements, which often offer features better than conventional methods of enforcing criminal justice. Many police services around the world now possess sophisticated technology tools such as AI and data analysis tools, not to mention body-worn cameras, that were unheard of only a few years ago.

Communication and Dispatch Systems

Modern-day policing is integrated with communication tools. The evolution of Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems is epochal, enabling:

• Rapid service call tracking
• Real-time officer briefings about potential suspects
• Prioritization of response to emergencies

These systems communicate with geographic information systems (GIS), enabling dispatchers to send police units to the precise address of a crime in progress.

Data-Driven Policing

Perhaps the most pronounced trend in policing is crime forecasting, employing algorithms and data analytics to identify probable future criminal activity and improve efficiency.

By forecasting crime rates for a certain area – taking into account the crime history, socio-economic conditions, and physical landscape – law enforcement agencies can improve resource allocation and promote preventative interventions in high-risk areas. Data analysis tools can comb through large databases more quickly and spot patterns more easily.

Surveillance and Monitoring Technology

In the last few decades, surveillance and monitoring technology tools have aided law enforcement agencies and their investigators by enhancing public safety. These tools include:

• Closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems – These systems are most common in urban areas for crime prevention and collecting evidence with accuracy.
• Automatic license plate readers (ALPRs) – These devices are affixed to set locations or the patrol cars of law enforcement officers. They capture images of vehicle number plates, aiding in the retrieval of stolen cars and the detention of criminal suspects.
• Drones – Flying drones are useful solutions for crowd monitoring, accident reconstruction, and search and rescue activities.
• Body-worn cameras (BWCs) – These cameras have proven to be crucial in increasing transparency and accountability in policing. They serve as objective records in investigations between criminal justice professionals and victims. Also, these cameras are indispensable in addressing misconduct and gaining confidence from community stakeholders with concerns about unfair treatment by officers.

Forensics and Investigative Technology in the Criminal Justice Field

Advances in forensics and investigative technology have transformed the way criminal investigations are carried out through tools such as:

• DNA analysis – This type of analysis assists in the identification and exoneration of individuals.
• Digital forensics – This type of forensics involves gathering evidence stored in computers, mobile phones, and cloud servers
• Ballistics databases – The National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) similar databases have made it easier for law enforcement to connect bullets and cartridge cases to specific guns.

Technology in the Courts

Technology has helped to ensure that courts operate more efficiently and are more accessible and equitable. Some examples are:

• Case management systems – Electronic case management systems in courts help to improve justice, especially when there is a heavy workload. Judges and other legal authorities can save time and process court cases more efficiently.
• E-filing systems – Litigants and attorneys can electronically file court documents. The electronic filing saves them time, and the chance of accidentally losing documents is minimized.
• Virtual hearings – Through the use of platforms such as Zoom® or Microsoft Teams®, virtual hearings can be conducted. As a result, distant court proceedings can be more streamlined.
• Remote testimony – Remote sessions allow for court participants who have barriers, such as long-distance travel or healthcare concerns, to attend a deposition or provide testimony virtually. These participants include expert witnesses for the defense or prosecution.

AI in Sentencing and Bail Decisions 

Some jurisdictions use risk assessment algorithms to help develop the appropriate bail and sentencing for a case. These tools analyze a defendant’s criminal past as well as the defendant’s potential flight risk to determine whether someone should be set free or detained.

AI can potentially reduce the levels of bias in a case due to the suggestions made by AI tools. However, these tools must be used with careful human monitoring, since there may be broader biases that can be overlooked.

Digital Evidence Presentation 

Presenting evidence through technology tools like 3-D models, projectors, and computers can make evidence in a case more tangible and easier to understand. As a result, jurors, judges, and witnesses are better able to understand evidence, especially in fields such as:

• Forensics
• Accident reconstruction
• Science

Digital evidence can also help reduce the chances of wrongful convictions by a criminal justice administration by serving as an aid to physical evidence.

Technology in Corrections 

The prison system has embraced the provision of technological tools to improve security and increase the rate of rehabilitation and order. These tools include:

• Inmate monitoring and security systems – Correctional institutions must maintain order among the prison population. As a result, law enforcement officers use advanced surveillance gadgets, trackers, and biometric systems to stop inmates from escaping.
• Electronic monitors – GPS-enabled ankle monitors allow tracking of the offenders on parole or probation by criminal justice professionals. They also enable custodians to check whether offenders are complying with restrictions, such as curfews or exclusion zones.
• Video technology – With video visitation, family members of inmates can communicate with them without physically traveling to a jail. That enhances security and makes staying in touch more convenient for geographically dispersed families.
• Educational and rehabilitation technology – Correctional facilities are increasingly offering digital education programs, vocational training, and telehealth mental health services. These services help inmates to gain useful skills, reduce recidivism, and aid former inmates in successfully reintegrating into the community.

Ethical Considerations of Criminal Justice Technology

Clearly, the use of technology has advantages. However, technology also has ethical implications and privacy issues, such as:

• Issues of mass surveillance – The use of CCTV, facial recognition technologies, and ANPR cameras by law enforcement agencies is the same as constant monitoring. However, there needs to be a balance between security and personal freedom.
• Algorithmic inequity or bias – Risk evaluation systems and tools used in predictive policing can be vulnerable to class and race prejudices. Consequently, that can result in the unjust treatment of vulnerable populations.
• The security of sensitive information – Digital storage of sensitive information in police systems poses various security risks, such as hacking, unlawful user access, data breaches, and ransomware.
• Rights of defendants and due process – Relying on AI systems in sentencing or bail considerations may raise questions about transparency or control. There needs to be human oversight to ensure that the rights of defendants and due process are maintained.

The Future of Technology in Criminal Justice

As tools' capabilities in this field continue to improve with time, it is likely that more and more technology tools will be used extensively in criminal justice. These tools include:

• Artificial intelligence and machine learning – AI tools continue to enhance the analysis of valuable data, crime, facial recognition, and management of cases. However, full justification on the control systems of algorithms will be in high demand.
• Blockchain technology – Courts will have dedicated immutable evidence and management systems protected through Blockchain technology, which will secure multiple chains of custody for digital evidence.
• Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies – Virtual reality may help with the recreation of crime scenes, the training of police officers, and educating jurors. Similarly, augmented reality can assist officers in the field by providing access to real-time information with the use of smart glasses.
• Biometrics – New tools like advanced voice identification and gait recognition can be helpful in identifying suspects. However, their use may also raise privacy concerns.
• Cybercrime-focused tools – Sharp increases in cybercrime will compel law enforcement to pay greater attention to advanced technology tools that monitor cryptocurrency, investigate data breaches, and uncover online fraud.

Balancing Criminal Justice and Legal Obligations

The criminal justice system has undeniably benefited from technology. However, the use of these tools by law enforcement agencies must be tempered by the need to protect the civil liberties of society and individual privacy.

Emerging technologies must be adopted with consideration to the ethical, legal, and social obligations of the justice system and to preempt any complaints from civil rights advocates. Technology must be treated as a tool for the enhancement of preexisting policies and should only be adopted in a way that adds value.

The B.S. in Criminal Justice at AMU

For students interested in the criminal justice field and technology tools, American Military University (AMU) provides an online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. Taught by expert law enforcement professionals, adult learners can enroll in different courses, such as crime analysis, criminal profiling, criminal investigation, and criminology. Other courses include criminal law, ethics in criminal justice, and criminalistics.

This B.S. in criminal justice also has a digital forensics concentration. For this concentration, students can choose from various courses designed to fit their professional goals.

For more details on this bachelor’s degree, visit AMU’s criminal justice degree program page.

Note: This degree program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for professional licensure or certification in any country, state, province or other jurisdiction. This program has not been approved by any state professional licensing body and does not lead to any state-issued professional licensure.

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