Technology In Policing
Technology in Policing: Overview
Technology in policing refers to the adoption of various modern tools, techniques, and digital innovations to enhance law enforcement efficiency, accuracy, and effectiveness. These technologies aid in crime prevention, investigation, surveillance, and evidence gathering.
Common Technologies Used in Policing:
CCTV Surveillance and Facial Recognition
DNA Profiling and Forensics
Digital Evidence Collection (Mobile Forensics, Cybercrime Investigations)
Body-Worn Cameras
GPS Tracking
Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS)
Data Analytics and Crime Mapping
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in predictive policing
Importance and Challenges
Enhances speed and accuracy in investigations.
Improves transparency and accountability.
Helps in real-time monitoring and quick response.
Raises privacy and legal concerns about data use and citizen rights.
Requires clear legal frameworks and judicial oversight.
Landmark Case Laws on Technology in Policing
1. K.S. Puttaswamy (Retd.) vs. Union of India (2017) - Right to Privacy Case
Facts: Challenge to Aadhaar and large-scale data collection by government.
Issue: Whether mass data collection by government agencies, including police, violates the fundamental right to privacy.
Judgment: Supreme Court declared privacy a fundamental right under Article 21 and ruled that any data collection must be reasonable, necessary, and with safeguards.
Significance: Set precedent limiting police and state use of technology for surveillance, requiring adherence to privacy norms.
2. Selvi vs. State of Karnataka (2010) - Use of Polygraph and Brain Scans
Facts: Use of lie detector tests and brain mapping in criminal investigation.
Issue: Whether involuntary use of such technology violates Article 20(3) (protection against self-incrimination).
Judgment: Supreme Court held that such tests cannot be conducted without consent and their results are not admissible as evidence.
Significance: Clarified limits on police use of emerging technology to protect individual rights.
3. Anvar P.V. vs. P.K. Basheer & Others (2014) - Digital Evidence Admissibility
Facts: Use of digital evidence (audio/video) in trial.
Issue: Standards for admissibility of electronic evidence.
Judgment: Supreme Court ruled digital evidence must comply with conditions under the Indian Evidence Act and IT Act, such as authenticity and integrity.
Significance: Laid down guidelines on how technology-based evidence must be handled by police and courts.
4. Brij Bhushan vs. State of Delhi (2019) - Use of CCTV Footage
Facts: Use of CCTV footage to solve criminal cases.
Issue: Reliance on CCTV evidence and its authenticity.
Judgment: Supreme Court recognized CCTV footage as valid evidence if the chain of custody is maintained.
Significance: Strengthened the use of video technology in policing and courts.
5. Kartar Singh vs. State of Punjab (1994) - DNA Profiling
Facts: Use of DNA evidence in criminal trials.
Issue: Whether DNA profiling evidence is admissible.
Judgment: The Supreme Court accepted DNA evidence as reliable scientific evidence when properly tested.
Significance: Opened doors for modern forensic science in policing and judicial processes.
6. Arnesh Kumar vs. State of Bihar (2014) - Guidelines on Arrests and Police Procedure
Facts: Misuse of police power to arrest without following procedure.
Issue: Whether technology can ensure adherence to arrest guidelines.
Judgment: While the case primarily dealt with arrest guidelines, courts emphasized the use of technology (like video recording arrests) for accountability.
Significance: Encouraged police adoption of technology to increase transparency and reduce abuse of power.
Summary of Legal Principles from These Cases:
Right to Privacy: Police use of technology must respect privacy rights and legal safeguards.
Consent and Fairness: Technologies like lie detectors cannot be used involuntarily.
Evidence Standards: Digital and technological evidence must be authenticated and reliable.
Transparency and Accountability: Technology should increase police accountability (e.g., body cams, CCTV).
Scientific Advancements: Courts increasingly accept scientific evidence like DNA profiling.
Final Notes:
The balance between efficient policing and civil liberties is key.
Proper training for police and legal frameworks are essential to ensure ethical use of technology.
Emerging technologies like AI and predictive policing will raise new legal questions and require constant judicial scrutiny.
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