By Dr. Jarrod Sadulski | 06/12/2024
Crime has grown more sophisticated due to technological advancements. To combat this increased sophistication, law enforcement and the private sector must continue to evolve with technology by using tools such as artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance investigations and increase their chances of success.
From a law enforcement perspective, AI can be a powerful tool in criminal investigations. It can be used to analyze social media activity and recognize faces, voices, and patterns, which can be used to identify trends involving organized crime groups and other crimes.
Infiltrating the Dark Web with AI
Artificial intelligence can be used to infiltrate the dark web and expose a wide range of illicit services. The dark web is a haven for criminals who commonly buy and sell illicit goods. For example,, the dark web can be used to purchase narcotics, firearms, counterfeit money, stolen credentials, and many other stolen or pirated merchandise.
It is also common for the dark web to be used for identity theft. Often, criminals will sell stolen personal information, including Social Security numbers, credit card information, and other data. If a victim finds that their private information has been compromised and sold on the dark web, there is little that can be done according to CSO Online.
Detecting criminal behavior through technology is complex. Often, law enforcement is restricted due to budget constraints and its lack of training in artificial intelligence software. However, law enforcement agencies can partner with tech companies that have mastered the machine learning technology needed for crime prevention.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Detecting and Preventing Crime
By harnessing the capabilities of AI, agencies have the potential to analyze vast amounts of data with greater speed and accuracy. Here are some ways that AI is helping to fight and prevent crimes as well as predict the likelihood of future crimes.
Discovering Trends through Deep Learning
Law enforcement agencies can use crime data and other investigative tools from the private sector that can utilize deep learning (AI computers trained to mimic the sophisticated decision-making capabilities of the human brain) to uncover crime trends and prevent them from occurring.
Identifying Victims with Machine Learning
Also, artificial intelligence can use machine learning models to develop a scoring system that identifies victims of sex trafficking online. For instance, this technology can be used to detect illegal activities through a multiple-factor artificial intelligence scoring system and can also aid in the facial recognition of victims.
Monitoring Online Platforms for Criminal Activity
Artificial intelligence can also be used in social media and other online platforms to detect language that includes common terminology used in drug trafficking, human trafficking, and other criminal activities.
For example, artificial intelligence can detect language associated with the criminal activity of pedophiles and sex traffickers. Artificial intelligence can be used as an army of virtual law enforcement agents to fight and prevent crime. It can uncover crimes such as the sale of stolen property and money laundering, and it could potentially be used for nearly any illegal activity committed online.
Mining for Data and Using Pattern Analysis
AI can also fight crime through data mining, which allows crime patterns to emerge by collecting data points. By applying pattern analysis, authorities can determine where crime is occurring or where there is a high risk of suspicious activity.
Social media data is also a valuable information resource, and it can be particularly useful for identifying missing children. Using machine learning, AI can mine social media sites for information and utilize pattern recognition to aid law enforcement officers.
Creating Predictive Analytics for Crime Mitigation and Crime Prevention
AI can also provide predictive analytics, using historical data and statistical methods to forecast future events. These analytics can help mitigate crime and increase public safety.
Locating Perpetrators with AI
Artificial intelligence can be used as an investigative tool by police departments to locate criminals. AI can also detect phone numbers associated with criminal activities and internet protocol addresses.
This information can give police officers the ability to quickly associate crimes involving the internet with suspects. The advantage of this technology is that it can be used by police agencies and other organizations to locate humans around the world.
Combating Child Trafficking
In the case of child trafficking, facial recognition can be used to locate trafficked children. Traffickers commonly post online advertisements involving sex trafficking victims. Traffickers attempt to conceal this crime by using keywords known by criminals seeking to purchase a sex trafficking victim.
Often, traffickers will depict the age of a trafficking victim through cartoon characters, a pacifier (used for very young children), and other descriptive characters. AI has the ability to search the internet and social media posts where sex trafficking ads are published.
It can detect when a child is being sold and based on a multiple-factor approach, AI can locate the children. This type of AI tool is valuable for police forces.
Modeling Criminal Behavior
In addition to determining who is committing an offense, AI can be used in artificial neural networks. For example, AI can be used to model behavior and decisions that mimic activities and decisions by humans.
AI can be used to create personas that appear very real and to identify predators who use the internet for targeting children. Currently, researchers continue to build their knowledge of the capabilities of AI.
The Role of Algorithms in AI
Algorithms have an important role in AI; they teach a computer how to operate on its own. Typically, this work involves providing AI with a set of instructions that enables AI to make decisions based on those instructions.
Many industries, such as shipping companies, use AI algorithms. For instance, AI in the shipping industry can improve operational efficiency, predict maintenance needs, and automate various operations and cargo handling.
Balancing Innovation with Responsibility in AI Development
AI can present dangers in society and can impact human rights if it is not used correctly. In the future, safeguards should be placed on AI to ensure that it is used ethically. The use of AI should be regulated, especially as technology continues to evolve.
At the same time, more resources and AI tools are needed to collect data that would take humans too long to collect. AI has the ability to collect data in real time and it can also be used to analyze historic data on the internet, but it’s crucial to ensure that data is used in a responsible manner.
Why Law Enforcement Agencies Need Continuous Training in AI Technology
While AI offers groundbreaking potential in crime detection and prevention, the effectiveness of these tools hinges on the ability of professionals to use them proficiently.
Ongoing education and training programs are essential, ensuring that law enforcement personnel stay abreast of the latest AI technologies and methodologies. These programs can be designed to bridge the gap between traditional investigative techniques and modern digital tools, enabling a seamless integration of AI into everyday law enforcement activities.
Criminal Justice Degrees at AMU
For students interested in topics such as criminal justice, technology, AI, and cybercrime, American Military University (AMU) offers several degree programs, including:
- An online associate of arts degree in criminal justice
- An online bachelor of science in criminal justice
- An online bachelor of arts in criminal justice
- An online master of arts in criminal justice
AMU also provides other useful certificates related to crime and technology, such as:
- An undergraduate certificate in cybercrime essentials
- An online graduate certificate in cybercrime
- An online graduate certificate in digital forensics
Dr. Jarrod Sadulski is an associate professor in the School of Security and Global Studies and has over two decades in the field of criminal justice. He holds a bachelor’s degree Criminal Justice from Thomas Edison State College, a master’s degree in criminal justice from American Military University, and a Ph.D. in criminal justice from Northcentral University.
His expertise includes training on countering human trafficking, maritime security, mitigating organized crime, and narcotics trafficking trends in Latin America. Jarrod has also testified to both the U.S. Congress and U.S. Senate on human trafficking and child exploitation. He has been recognized by the U.S. Senate as an expert in human trafficking.
Jarrod frequently conducts in-country research and consultant work in Central and South America on human trafficking and current trends in narcotics trafficking. Also, he has a background in business development. For more information on Jarrod and links to his social media and website, check out https://linktr.ee/jarrodsadulski.