Leveraging Blockchain in Law Enforcement
The police force in our country has been known as a sloth when adopting technological advancements. The exponential increase in use of technology to commit crimes has forced law enforcement agencies around the world to embrace digital transformation to counter such crimes. An increasingly attractive option for enforcement agencies is blockchain technology because of its tamper proof, transparent and decentralized architecture.
One common challenge faced by enforcement agencies is keeping evidence safe. The old methods are prone to loss, tampering or theft. Most cases remain pending due to mishandling of evidence. By storing evidence on blockchain, agencies can create a secure and tamper proof method where all the players involved work to ensure that the evidence remains untouched and is accessible, as and when required, only to authorized personnel. By using blockchain technology, they can also track the hands that evidence has gone through from the time it was collected to the time it was presented in the court of law, making it admissible evidence, and helping in preventing the dismissal of cases due to lack or custody chain issues of evidence.
Crime investigation comprises multiple tasks involving various departments. Establishing coordination between them can be challenging. With a shared repository, all departments can access information, reduce the time and need for manual communication and streamline operations. The police department can create a secure database of criminal records, arrest warrants, and other information. This database can be accessed by all authorized personnel, ensuring that everyone has access to the same information which will lead to faster and more effective investigations and help preventing mistakes caused by incomplete or inaccurate or absence of information.
Adopting blockchain will automate tasks such as record keeping, tracing vehicle movements etc. which will reduce the burden on duty officers and enable them to concentrate on their core responsibilities.
The lack of transparency is one reason law enforcement agencies all around the globe have been subjected to public criticism and scrutinisation. Blockchain technology can be used to record all the incidents involving use of force by officers. Duty officers can be held accountable for their actions. To build trust between the law enforcement agencies and community, these records can be made accessible to the public ensuring transparency on the part of the law enforcement agency.
Crime never respects borders. The agencies using blockchain can collaborate with other agencies in different states or countries to investigate cross-border crimes. A shared repository of information and evidence ensures that all the agencies have the same updated information which can lead to fast and effective investigation and prevent criminals from escaping to another country. Blockchain can also help the law enforcement agencies to prevent frauds related to identity of individuals, assets and properties.
Blockchain technology certainly has the potential to revitalize law enforcement. It can be used to securely store evidence, streamline police operations, improve transparency and public relations, facilitate cross-border investigations, and prevent fraud. Although there are challenges to its adoption, the law enforcement agencies that are embracing blockchain technology are going to benefit from improved efficiency, effectiveness, and transparency.
As blockchain technology continues to evolve, it is likely to play an increasingly important role in law enforcement, helping to create a safer and more secure world for all of us.
About the FutureSkills Prime Programme:
FutureSkills Prime, a collaborative effort by nasscom and MeitY, serves as India's technology skilling hub with the objective of transforming the nation into a Digital Talent Nation. The program facilitates widespread access to learning, empowering both students and professionals to enhance their digital expertise and professional competencies. The comprehensive range of courses available through FutureSkills Prime encompasses a diverse array of digital technologies and vital professional skills.
Written by NIELIT Patna