Technology and technological advancements have been truly miraculous in today’s age, given how efficiently they help us out in the multitude of tasks that we perform.
Well, not just helping, but technology has also been a prevalent factor in our true crime obsession as it has given us front-row seats to global true crime stories that otherwise wouldn’t have been accessible in any way around.
Global streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime have also witnessed an increase in their viewership because of some exhilarating true crime shows and documentaries they broadcast, which are just a click away from us.
But wait, there is more than just a typical binge-watch obsession that comes at the hand of technology.
There is also a rising number of amateurs and self-proclaimed Sherlocks who are now hopping onto digital forums and cracking cold cases. Well, half of the time, they get ideas from the news channels and various online platforms that keep broadcasting these true crime stories 24/7 and fueling the fire.
Well, technology has not only fueled our obsession with true crime, but it truly has been a boon in helping solve the high-profile criminal cases that years ago were too hard to look into. But thankfully, technology has helped narrow down the research and bring the police forces closer to the criminal at hand.
Technological advancements like virtual reality for training and crime scene recreations prove beneficial to law enforcement agencies in training their officers to assist in crime scene investigations and emergency response.
These trainings help provide a safe and controlled environment for learning and prompt action at the time of need. So, let’s take a look at how technology is aiding the law enforcement in a better way –
Digital Forensics and Data Analysis
These days, with the help of technological innovations, investigators and law enforcement officials can easily trace any digital footprints back to the perpetrator, which they may have left behind through any emails, social media activity, or GPS data.
Tracing these activities gives investigators enough time to narrow down a timeline and link any suspicious activities to any potential suspects.
While covering their tracks, a lot of suspects believe they have done their part and are free from any investigation.
However, a lot of advanced software tools allow experts to recover any deleted files and access encrypted data, which may prove to be crucial in the investigation.
DNA Analysis & Genealogy
Nowadays, investigators can take aid from modern-day DNA analysis methods to extract any usable DNA from even the tiniest of samples.
Similarly, investigators can also use public DNA databases to trace any suspects through family trees, as was evident in the case of the Golden State Killer, where the suspect was arrested because of his DNA match.
AI & Machine Learning
AI algorithms can help analyze past criminal data in predicting any potential activities and criminal hotspots and can allow law enforcement officials to take any preemptive measures.
These AI Models and Machine Learning data models can also help identify patterns in crimes and may be able to link cases that may appear unrelated on the outside and uncover serial offenders.
Wrapping Up
Technology has not only fueled our obsession with true crime media but has also revolutionized the field of criminal investigation, making it easier to solve cases with efficiency and accuracy. As technology continues to evolve in the years to come, its impact on solving crimes and shaping true crime media will only grow stronger.
