Guide to Criminal Justice and Technology

As society evolves, so does the way justice is delivered, and technology is at the heart of that transformation. Criminal justice technology refers to the digital tools and resources used by professionals working in law enforcement, the courts, and corrections.

By leveraging the availability of vast amounts of data and advanced technologies, police officers, federal agents, prosecutors, and correctional officers can now do their jobs more effectively than in the past. By extension, this has reduced or eliminated many of the limitations and pain points in their work, especially when it comes to law enforcement and forensic science practices.

Those who are considering a career in criminal justice should familiarize themselves with the system’s distinct phases and how technology has been integrated.

What Is the Criminal Justice System?

The criminal justice system is the framework that a society uses to maintain order, enforce laws, and protect citizens’ rights. It consists of multiple components, each of which employs specialized professionals who work together to investigate crimes, ensure fair trials, and impose appropriate consequences.

The Role of Technology in the Criminal Justice System

As crime becomes more complex, criminal justice professionals are increasingly turning to advanced technologies to improve their efficiency, safety, and investigative accuracy. Although criminal justice technology is most applicable to law enforcement, the courts and correctional systems also leverage digital solutions. Some technology tools may also be used in multiple facets of the criminal justice system.

Law Enforcement

Law enforcement is the first point of contact within the criminal justice system. It includes local police departments, sheriff’s offices, state police departments, and federal agencies like the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Law enforcement officers are responsible for:

• Preventing crime

• Responding to emergencies

• Investigating criminal activity

• Arresting suspects

• Collecting evidence

• Interviewing witnesses

• Filing incident reports for court proceedings

Technology in Law Enforcement

Modern law enforcement professionals heavily rely on many types of criminal justice technology tools, including the following:

Aerial Drones

Aerial drones provide a bird’s-eye view of large areas, making them valuable for crowd monitoring, traffic assessments, search-and-rescue operations, and tactical missions. Drones can capture high-resolution video, livestream footage to command centers, and survey places that are difficult or dangerous for humans to access. Their use has grown in both urban and rural law enforcement operations.

Analytic Technologies and Software

Predictive analytics and crime mapping software help law enforcement agencies allocate their resources and anticipate where crime is statistically likely to occur. These tools use data from past incidents to identify patterns and trends, aiding in decision-making and law enforcement officer deployment strategies. Analysts and command staff rely on these technologies to improve their response times and reduce crime rates.

Automatic License Plate Recognition

Automatic license plate recognition (ALPR) systems use cameras mounted on patrol cars or traffic poles to scan and record license plates in real time. The technology compares plate numbers against databases to identify stolen vehicles, outstanding warrants, or expired registrations. ALPR enhances patrol efficiency and helps track the movements of suspects or missing persons.

Body Cameras

Body-worn cameras are now standard equipment in many police departments. These devices record interactions between officers and the public, promoting transparency and accountability. Body camera footage is often used in investigations, court proceedings, and officer training. It provides an objective account of events, helping to build public trust and support claims made by officers or civilians.

Information Sharing Technologies

Information sharing platforms allow law enforcement agencies to collaborate across jurisdictions. These platforms can include shared databases, communication hubs, and cloud-based tools that provide law enforcement professionals with access to individuals’ criminal records, warrants, and investigative reports. By improving their access to data and ability to collaborate, these technologies help law enforcement professionals reduce duplication of effort and enhance the public’s safety.

Social Media Monitoring Tools

Social media monitoring has become a valuable criminal justice technology practice for law enforcement, especially for scenarios that are still playing out. Monitoring tools can be used to scan public posts, hashtags, and geotags to identify threats; coordinate emergency responses; and investigate criminal activity. These tools can alert officers to planned illegal events or help locate missing persons. However, their use must be carefully balanced with privacy rights and legal guidelines.

Robotic Cameras

Robotic cameras are small, remote-controlled devices used by law enforcement officers in high-risk situations such as hostage rescues, bomb threats, and building searches. These cameras can enter confined or dangerous spaces, allowing officers to observe suspects or assess threats without putting themselves in harm’s way. Equipped with live video feeds, robotic cameras reduce uncertainty and increase the odds of peaceful resolutions in volatile situations.

Shot-Locating Sensors

Shot-locating sensors use acoustic detection technology to pinpoint the location of gunfire in real time, allowing officers to respond faster and more precisely. This tool is especially useful in areas where gun violence is common but often underreported.

Thermal Imaging

Thermal imaging devices detect heat signatures from people, animals, and objects, even in complete darkness or through obstacles like smoke or foliage. Police use thermal cameras for search and rescue missions, for nighttime surveillance, and to locate and apprehend suspects. By identifying heat differences, officers can locate hidden individuals or detect recent activity at a crime scene.

Virtual Reality

Virtual reality (VR) is becoming a vital tool in modern law enforcement training, particularly for de-escalation and use of force scenarios. Traditional training methods often lack the realism officers need to prepare fully for high-stakes encounters. VR enables immersive, scenario-based simulations that replicate complex situations—such as mental health crises or active shooter incidents—within a controlled, safe environment. These simulations enhance officers’ decision-making, emotional regulation, communication, and tactical judgment under pressure.

Prosecution and Pretrial Services

After a suspect is arrested, the case moves to the prosecution and pretrial services stage. After reviewing the evidence of the case, a prosecutor—an attorney who acts as a legal representative of the government—will decide whether to file criminal charges. If charges are brought, the prosecutor must prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in a trial.

Defense attorneys, either privately hired or court-appointed, represent the accused and ensure their legal rights are protected. Defendants who can hire a defense attorney usually do because it increases the likelihood that they will receive a favorable outcome.

Technology in Prosecution and Pretrial

Professionals who work in prosecution and pretrial may utilize the following technology tools. Law enforcement investigators may also use many of the same tools.

Biometric Technologies

Biometric technologies include fingerprint scanners, facial recognition software, and iris recognition systems. These tools are used to quickly and accurately identify individuals, even if they are in a large crowd. Biometric data is often used to verify an individual’s identity during an arrest or to match an individual to information in a criminal database.

CCTV Systems and Video Surveillance Software

Closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems are widely used to monitor public areas, reduce crime, and gather evidence. Advanced video surveillance software can analyze footage for unusual behavior, track individuals, and flag potential threats. CCTV footage often plays a key role in investigations, and cameras can deter criminal activity when they are prominently displayed.

Cybersecurity and Data Protection Technologies

Court systems handle sensitive legal and personal information, which means strong cybersecurity measures are essential. Courts now rely on encryption, firewalls, and secure access protocols to protect digital records and communication. Ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of this data is a key function of modern criminal justice technology.

Digital Forensics Tools

Digital forensics involves the recovery and analysis of data from electronic devices such as smartphones, computers, and tablets. Tools in this field allow investigators to extract deleted files, trace digital communications, and uncover hidden evidence in cybercrime cases. Digital forensics is essential in prosecuting online fraud, identity theft, and other computer-based offenses.

Adjudication

Adjudication is the legal process through which criminal charges are resolved through a trial or plea bargaining. If the case goes to trial, a judge oversees the courtroom proceedings, and in many cases, a jury is selected to determine the outcome.

During the trial, the prosecution presents evidence and arguments to prove the defendant’s guilt, while the defense attorney challenges that evidence and advocates for the defendant. Once all the evidence and arguments have been presented, the judge or jury delivers a verdict. This stage is essential for ensuring a fair and impartial evaluation of the facts and determining whether the accused is guilty or not guilty.

Technology in Adjudication

During adjudication, the following criminal justice technology tools may be used:

Evidence Presentation Tools

Technology has greatly improved how evidence is presented in court. Digital projectors, touchscreen displays, and multimedia tools allow jurors and judges to view photos, videos, diagrams, and forensic evidence in a clear, organized manner. This enhances their understanding and helps ensure that evidence is evaluated more effectively.

Remote Court Proceedings

One of the most significant advancements in recent years has been the adoption of remote court proceedings. Using video conferencing software, courts can conduct hearings, arraignments, and even trials without requiring in-person appearances. This is particularly valuable for cases involving long-distance travel, health concerns, or safety risks.

Sentencing and Sanctions

If a defendant is found guilty, the next step is sentencing. Sentencing involves the judge determining the appropriate punishment for the defendant based on legal guidelines, the severity of the crime, the defendant’s criminal history, and recommendations from both sides.

Sanctions may include fines, probation, community service, or incarceration. In some cases, a restorative justice program may be used as an alternative to a traditional punishment, especially for a nonviolent offense. This stage aims to hold individuals who have committed crimes accountable while also considering their potential rehabilitation and the public’s safety.

Sentencing and Sanctions Technology

Professionals who are involved with sentencing and sanctions may use the following technology tools:

Data Analytics Tools

Data analytics tools allow courts to analyze trends in case outcomes, track the performance of judges, and identify systemic issues such as case backlogs or sentencing disparities. These insights help courts allocate their resources more effectively and support evidence-based decision-making.

Electronic Case Filing and Management

Electronic case filing (e-filing) systems have replaced much of the traditional paperwork involved in legal proceedings. These systems allow attorneys to submit documents online and help court staff organize, access, and track cases more efficiently. E-filing also reduces the risk of lost documents and improves case management workflows.

Corrections

The corrections component of the criminal justice system manages individuals after they are sentenced. This includes their incarceration in a jail or prison, as well as noncustodial options such as probation or parole. Correctional facilities aim to provide secure custody of individuals, but they also offer rehabilitation programs such as education, job training, and substance use treatment.

Probation officers and parole boards monitor individuals who are released into the community to ensure they comply with court-ordered conditions and help guide the process of their reintegration into society. If an individual violates the terms of their probation, it can lead to stricter probation terms, additional jail time, or a revocation of their probation.

Technology in Corrections

Corrections facilities and professionals may use some of the following tools:

Artificial Intelligence Technologies

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are being used to monitor inmates’ behavior and correctional facilities’ conditions. AI algorithms can analyze video feeds and behavioral data to detect patterns that may signal potential threats, such as fights, self-harm, or contraband activity. This proactive approach allows staff to intervene before incidents escalate.

Inmate Tracking Systems

Inmate tracking technology allows correctional officers to monitor the movements and locations of individuals throughout the facility. These systems often use radio-frequency identification (RFID) or wearable devices that track real-time data. By knowing where every inmate is at any given moment, staff can reduce incidents of violence, unauthorized gatherings, or escape attempts.

Mobile Solutions and Applications

Mobile devices and apps are increasingly used by correctional staff for communication, scheduling, and incident reporting. These tools allow for immediate updates, real-time decision-making, and more efficient incident response. Some facilities also allow inmates to use secure tablets to access educational content, legal resources, or mental health services, promoting their rehabilitation and reducing their idle time.

Smart Buildings and Intelligent Infrastructure

Many new and renovated correctional facilities now feature intelligent infrastructure, also known as smart buildings. These systems integrate lighting, temperature control, access control, and emergency response protocols into a centralized digital platform. With automated alerts and real-time monitoring, smart building systems reduce energy costs and improve staff’s responsiveness to emergencies or unusual activity within the facility.

Criminal Justice Technology Resources

• Belfry, “6 Types of Surveillance and Advanced Security Tech in 2025” : This guide provides a comprehensive overview of surveillance methods, including criminal justice technologies like electronic and social media surveillance.

• BlueVoyant, “Digital Forensics: Get Started With These 9 Open Source Tools” : This article highlights some of the most popular digital forensics tools being used in law enforcement.

• Everlaw, “Bridging the Gap: The Imperative for Courts to Embrace Technology in the Courtroom” : This article examines how courtrooms leverage technology to enhance accessibility, streamline proceedings, and improve communication.

• Indeed, “Uses of Technology in Law Enforcement (Plus Pros and Cons)” : This article highlights some of the most popular criminal justice technologies being used in law enforcement, and how these advancements benefit police officers and investigators.

• Real Time Networks, “Law Enforcement Technology and the Future of Prison Systems” : This article explores how prison systems are leveraging criminal justice technology to address modern issues like overcrowding and operating with fewer resources.

• Research.com, “15 Best Crime Analytics Software for 2025” : This article highlights some of the best crime analytics tools being used in the field today.

• Secure Redact, “The Role of Technology in Modern Law Enforcement” : This article explores how technology has changed the law enforcement landscape, including enhancing crime prevention and detection, improving officer safety, and streamlining administrative processes.

• U.S. Department of Justice, Agencies : This resource serves as a central hub of information about the Department of Justice government agencies and what they do.

• U.S. Department of Justice, Electronic Surveillance : This government resource examines electronic surveillance and its relevant legal statutes.

Learn to Leverage Criminal Justice Technology

Criminal justice technology is more than just cameras and listening devices. Law enforcement, court systems, and correctional facilities all leverage modern digital solutions to more effectively do their jobs, overcome logistical challenges, and make processes more efficient.