Town of Dunstable, MA

Many ponder the future of the criminal justice system for the 21st century. The trend of technological advancements will no doubt impact our future direction. Information systems that include crime mapping will no doubt affect proactive policing responses. With better criminal intelligence and greater interagency coordination, there is greater likelihood of more accountability and better efficiency.

Biometrics technology that characterizes specific physical features may be helpful in solving crimes. Facial recognition technology that measures the valleys and peaks of the face may play a vital role in apprehending violent criminals. Additionally, this technology may be utilized in the prison setting to verify the identity of convicts being released or classified. Technological advances using bionic ears may provide investigators greater surveillance in order to monitor drug and terrorism activities.

The role of the public prosecutor in some jurisdictions may continue to be developed with greater emphasizes being placed on victims. It will remain to be seen if the philosophy of restorative community justice continues to grow. Private professional victim advocates may have an expanding role with victims and other criminal justice actors.

Teleconferencing may reduce the need for police investigators and other criminal justice officials to conference in person. In other circumstances, violent offenders might have their arraignments and court hearings conducted outside of the court to reduce the risk to public safety. Additional cost savings might be realized through a reduction in transportation costs and extra security expenses.

Teleforensics and cyclovision promises to be new and exciting technology. This video technology which will allow crime scene investigators the ability to video entire crime scenes while creating a panoramic view that can be electronically sent to remote crime scene experts. This has the possibility of enhancing crime scene recording while removing the risk of crime scene contamination. The expertise of forensic crime scene specialists from around the country could be utilized without the need for their physical presence at the scene.

These are just a few of the contemporary ideas being discussed and pondered for the future of our present 21st century criminal justice system. Whatever the outcome, it has become demonstrably evident that  technology will continue to have a major impact on public safety operations. There will remain continued discussion and debate among policy makers, criminal justice practitioners, and concerned citizens wishing to balance individual liberties with pubic safety policy needs.

As a final note, readers are reminded that the Dunstable Police Department's cable access program titled:
"Groton-Dunstable 9-1-1" airs on both Dunstable cable channels every other month. The next program will be shown on Dunstable FIOS Channel 31 and Dunstable Charter Channel 13 on November 01, 2008. We welcome your thoughts and comments, and hope you enjoy the information.

Until next time!

James G. Downes III
Chief of Police

Emergency 9-1-1, business 978 649 7445