There is an ongoing debate about whether crime rates are reduced by the help of technology. Although I admit that improvements in detection capability and crime prevention are essential for reducing crime, I believe technology has undeniably created new categories of crime, and the victims rate is increasing day by day.
To begin with, modern technologies play a crucial role in detecting perpetrators because many cities are equipped with surveillance cameras, which have helped to solve major crimes in many countries. Moreover, GPS is provided in a lot of modern technologies, and this helps to locate missing persons or stolen properties. For instance, Los Angeles’s and Chicago’s crime rate was reduced nearly 20-30% by the establishment of predictive policing algorithms, which demonstrates technology’s positive impact on public safety.
However, evolving technologies have created new types of crime such as cyber bullying and online fraud. Cybercriminals steal approximately $600 billion annually through the activities listed above. Digital crime allows offenders to find victims across international borders while remaining unknown. Furthermore, social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Telegram enable cyber bullying, online predation, and terrorist recruitment. For example, many cyber groups attack the elderly and young generations because they do not know how to properly protect themselves from cyberattacks.
In conclusion, modern gadgets may have a beneficial effect on public safety since they can provide advanced detection systems. Nevertheless, they have a significant drawback because they can lead to new crime strategies.