Author Name:-Chancy Simbeye, Deepa Kumari Date:-22 April 2025
Abstract
Background: Information technology (IT) is a revolution that has changed the way howbusinesses are conducted in various organizations. Lately, the use of IT has been apparent as areform area in Police work of curbing crimes.
Aim: The present paper explores the role of IT in combating crime by Police Services. A numberof IT innovations have been successfully implemented by the Police Services. Suchtechnological advancements include mobile devices, digital forensics laboratories, biometricidentification systems and criminal database management systems.
Method: By employing literature review methodology, the present paper brings to light five keybenefits of employing IT advancements in combating criminal activities.
Result: Firstly, IT enables real-time data collection, analysis and reporting on criminal activitieshence inform timely interventions. Secondly, IT tracks cybercrimes thereby enabling suspectidentification. Thirdly, IT allows for analysis of electronic evidence thereby easing manual work.Fourthly, IT has enabled the Police to share intelligence both domestically and globally therebyenhancing coordination in combating crime. Finally, IT has enabled the Police to link up withother law enforcement agencies through management information systems thereby reducingtime spent on physical meetings.
Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, recommendations have been made for variousPolice Services across the globe to make efforts to adopt technological advancements in combating crimes as a way of ensuring efficiency and effectiveness. In the development ofvarious reforms aimed at enhancing Police Service delivery, adoption of IT advancementsshould be one of the priority areas.
Keywords: Information Technology. Police Reforms, Crime management, Cyber Security.
