Technology as a source of complexity and challenge for special victims unit (SVU) investigators

Abstract

Although there has been significant public and academic interest in the ability of police to harness new technologies in order to solve crimes, there has been significantly less focus on how the proliferation of new technologies has impacted police workloads. In this exploratory study, we begin the process of rectifying this oversight by exploring some of the challenges mobile technologies pose to investigators working in a special investigations unit. Our work is informed by an analysis of data collected through in-depth interviews with police investigators to address the following research question: “To what extent has the complexity of special victims (sex crimes) investigations changed over time?”. Our findings indicate that technology is the most prominent factor leading to increased complexity of investigations. Specifically, technology adds to the volume of evidence that must be examined and managed, rapid advances in technology require additional training and expertise, and despite technological advances to assist in investigations, the process remains largely manual.