Law Enforcement Experts Research Articles

Problematic issues of machine learning technology in law enforcement

Law enforcement agencies increasingly use predictive and automation technologies where the core technology is often a machine learning (ML) model. The article considers the problem of accountability and responsibility of law enforcement agencies and officials connected with using of ML models. The authors point out that accountability is a key element of democratic law enforcement, but using of the predictive software can create challenges in ensuring that accountability. The article discusses how the application of ML can lead to obfuscation of responsibility and complicating accountability in «multi-agent structures» that combine humans and computational tools. Special attention is paid to the opacity of predictive algorithms and automated decision-making systems. It becomes a source of misunderstandings and caution regarding their use. The authors raise questions about how effective oversight and full reporting can be ensured when key components of the decision-making systems remain unknown to the general public, officials, and even developers of the models. The paper argues that important questions related to ML decision models can be solved without detailed knowledge of the machine learning algorithms, allowing non-ML law enforcement experts to study them in a form of intelligent control. Non-ML experts can and should review trained ML models. The authors provide a «toolkit» in the form of questions about three elements of the ML-based decision models that can be qualitatively explored by non-machine learning experts: training data, training goal, and anticipatory outcome evaluation. This approach expands the capabilities of these experts in the form of an objective assessment of the use of ML models in law enforcement tasks. This will allow them to evaluate effectiveness of the models through the prism of their own experience. The basic idea is that even without deep technical knowledge, law enforcement experts can analyze and review ML models. This approach promotes understanding of the use of machine learning technologies in law enforcement, expanding the potential of non-ML law enforcement experts.

A Collaborative Approach to Safety, Equity, and Fairness by Medical Staff, Graduate Medical Education, Human Resources, and Law Enforcement.

A Collaborative Approach to Safety, Equity, and Fairness by Medical Staff, Graduate Medical Education, Human Resources, and Law Enforcement.

CommAID: Visual Analytics for Communication Analysis through Interactive Dynamics Modeling

AbstractCommunication consists of both meta‐information as well as content. Currently, the automated analysis of such data often focuses either on the network aspects via social network analysis or on the content, utilizing methods from text‐mining. However, the first category of approaches does not leverage the rich content information, while the latter ignores the conversation environment and the temporal evolution, as evident in the meta‐information. In contradiction to communication research, which stresses the importance of a holistic approach, both aspects are rarely applied simultaneously, and consequently, their combination has not yet received enough attention in automated analysis systems. In this work, we aim to address this challenge by discussing the difficulties and design decisions of such a path as well as contribute CommAID, a blueprint for a holistic strategy to communication analysis. It features an integrated visual analytics design to analyze communication networks through dynamics modeling, semantic pattern retrieval, and a user‐adaptable and problem‐specific machine learning‐based retrieval system. An interactive multi‐level matrix‐based visualization facilitates a focused analysis of both network and content using inline visuals supporting cross‐checks and reducing context switches. We evaluate our approach in both a case study and through formative evaluation with eight law enforcement experts using a real‐world communication corpus. Results show that our solution surpasses existing techniques in terms of integration level and applicability. With this contribution, we aim to pave the path for a more holistic approach to communication analysis.

Visual Analytics for Temporal Hypergraph Model Exploration

Many processes, from gene interaction in biology to computer networks to social media, can be modeled more precisely as temporal hypergraphs than by regular graphs. This is because hypergraphs generalize graphs by extending edges to connect any number of vertices, allowing complex relationships to be described more accurately and predict their behavior over time. However, the interactive exploration and seamless refinement of such hypergraph-based prediction models still pose a major challenge. We contribute HYPER-MATRIX, a novel visual analytics technique that addresses this challenge through a tight coupling between machine-learning and interactive visualizations. In particular, the technique incorporates a geometric deep learning model as a blueprint for problem-specific models while integrating visualizations for graph-based and category-based data with a novel combination of interactions for an effective user-driven exploration of hypergraph models. To eliminate demanding context switches and ensure scalability, our matrix-based visualization provides drill-down capabilities across multiple levels of semantic zoom, from an overview of model predictions down to the content. We facilitate a focused analysis of relevant connections and groups based on interactive user-steering for filtering and search tasks, a dynamically modifiable partition hierarchy, various matrix reordering techniques, and interactive model feedback. We evaluate our technique in a case study and through formative evaluation with law enforcement experts using real-world internet forum communication data. The results show that our approach surpasses existing solutions in terms of scalability and applicability, enables the incorporation of domain knowledge, and allows for fast search-space traversal. With the proposed technique, we pave the way for the visual analytics of temporal hypergraphs in a wide variety of domains.

Сучасна модель навчально-тренінгового центру з підготовки експертів у сфері хімічної, біологічної, радіаційної та ядерної безпеки (Результати першого тренінгу з хімічної безпеки в рамках Проекту 57: Посилення існуючих експертно-криміналістичних можливостей при розслідуванні ХБРЯ інцидентів. Україна, Київ, липень 2019 р.)

Minimizing the effects of chemical, biological, radiation and nuclear (CBRN) incidents requires the simultaneous efforts of different specialists not only within one state, so recently international projects have been chosen for the purpose of developing and implementing not only national measures to minimize CBRN threats, but also coordination at the international level. The Aim of the Research. Substantiation of the relevance of a permanent international training center organization for the training of specialists in the field of CBRN security (direction — chemical security) for the needs of the power and special structures of Ukraine. Methods. Results of the instruction and trainings conducted within the framework of the project on the establishment of a network of training centers for minimizing the risks related to the CBRN threats in the countries of the region of Southeast and Eastern Europe, held on the basis of State Enterprise “Research Centre of Preventive Toxicology, Food and Chemical Safety named after L. I. Medved”, Ministry of Healthcare of Ukraine” (Science Center) in July 2019. Results and Discussion. Project 57: Strengthening the crime scene forensics capabilities in investigating CBRN incidents in the South East and Eastern Europe Centers of Excellence Region (Ref: Europe Aid / IFS / 2016/374993) came into action in 2019. The objective of Project 57 is to introduce a system of trainings on the investigation of CBRN incidents and the gradual formation of relationships between forensic experts and organizations with experience in the field of CBRN materials at the national level. Successful fulfillment of the tasks of investigating CBRN incidents requires constant professional improvement of specialists in various fields and development of the system of communication and interaction at the interdisciplinary level. Project 57 from Ukraine involved Ukrainian experts instructed and trained in EU countries as national forensic trainers in crime scene investigations. These candidates, after conducting the relevant exercises, were involved in conducting trainings on raising the level of knowledge of law enforcement officers of Ukraine. In July 2019, a team-based training (July 5) and national exercises (July 22–25) were held under Project 57 at the Science Center. Law enforcement experts from Ukraine and Moldova participated in the team and staff training. Exercises were performed in groups, and the results of the work were demonstrated and discussed via Skype conference mode. National exercises were conducted in the form of practical exercises in a specially prepared territory of the Science Center. The participants of the training worked with imitation material evidence in protective suits using technical means in real-time situations. In addition to the acquisition of practical skills, there was an exchange of knowledge and experience between the various agencies involved in the field of chemical threat. The participants gained experience that will help to improve management skills and improve coordination and communication between the actors involved in the response to the CBRN incidents. Conclusions. The conducted trainings proved the necessity of introducing a system of continuous professional instruction and advanced training of the staff of special and security structures of Ukraine involved in the investigation of CBRN incidents. Key Words: chemical, biological, radiation and nuclear safety, continuous professional development.

El análisis de redes en la prevención del comportamiento delictivo

El trabajo de Tayebi y Glässer ofrece nuevas ideas a partir de investigaciones previas con un enfoque multidisciplinar. El estudio se realizó con la colaboración de investigadores, criminólogos y expertos en la aplicación de la ley. Los ejemplos propuestos por los autores del libro se basan en una gran base de datos de crímenes reales. El libro presenta no solo las ideas prácticas, sino también las teorías del análisis de redes sociales a nivel básico, lo cual facilita su lectura.

Run, Hide, Fight—From the AR-15? A Study of Firearms Depictions in Active/Mass Shooter Instructional Videos

The depiction of firearms in mass media coverage of active/mass shootings begets an important question: How do the security and law enforcement experts in charge of prevention, mitigation, and response think about firearms? To answer this question, a qualitative content analysis of firearms depictions in post 2010, North American based active/mass shooter instructional training videos was conducted. A sample of 24 videos was selected for analysis based on the previous criteria. The study utilized limited quantitative measures to produce an overall picture regarding numerous firearms characteristics as they related to depiction. Characteristics were coded into thematic categories and an overarching analytical theme. Overall, this study found evidence that depictions generally constituted of firearms characteristics which produced feelings of fear in the intended audience. A limited application of Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) was provided as a preliminary explanation for both the nature of the findings and the rationale behind such depictions. Implications for future research and the role of expert protection professional involved in the production of instructional media are discussed.

Outsourcing the Fight against Corruption: Lessons from the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala

AbstractThe article is devoted to an analysis of the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) that was established in 2006 to fight against clandestine criminal structures and illegal security groups in this country. Over the last decade, CICIG has achieved numerous victories in prosecuting corrupt politicians, businessmen, judges, and law enforcement officers, as well as in reforming legal and judicial institutions in Guatemala. CICIG represents an experimental approach to the fight against impunity and corruption in weak and failed states, with the aid of international anti‐corruption and law enforcement experts. Since this experience is very useful for other countries, the article takes a comprehensive look at the lessons they can learn from Guatemala's case. CICIG serves as a good example of new anti‐corruption tools and innovative agreements created under the aegis of the United Nations. The article argues that CICIG's expansion to other countries could constitute a new chapter in the global fight against corruption.

Deviating From the Cybercriminal Script: Exploring Tools of Anonymity (Mis)Used by Carders on Cryptomarkets

This work presents an overview of some of the tools that cybercriminals employ to trade securely. It will look at the weaknesses of these tools and how the behavior of cybercriminals will sometimes lead them to use tools in a nonoptimal manner, creating opportunities for law enforcement to identify and apprehend them. The criminal domain this article focuses on is carding, the online trade in stolen payment card details and the consequent criminal misuse of such data. However, these findings could be applied more broadly, as many of the analyzed tools are used across (cyber) criminal domains. This article is a continuation of earlier work, in which a crime script analysis of 25 carding tutorials presented the tools that cybercriminals use to cash-out stolen payment card details while remaining anonymous. We use these tutorials and an analysis of the literature to identify how they can be used incorrectly and create a typology of potential behavioral and technological pitfalls in these tools. Finally, we conclude that finding pitfalls in the usage of tools by cybercriminals has the potential to increase the efficiency of disruption, interception, and prevention approaches. However, in future work, interviews with law enforcement experts and convicted cybercriminals or still active users should be used to analyze the operational security of cybercriminals in more depth.

Automatic detection of potentially illegal online sales of elephant ivory via data mining

In this work, we developed an automated system to detect potentially illegal elephant ivory items for sale on eBay. Two law enforcement experts, with specific knowledge of elephant ivory identification, manually classified items on sale in the Antiques section of eBay UK over an 8 week period. This set the “Gold Standard” that we aim to emulate using data-mining. We achieved close to 93% accuracy with less data than the experts, as we relied entirely on metadata, but did not employ item descriptions or associated images, thus proving the potential and generality of our approach. The reported accuracy may be improved with the addition of text mining techniques for the analysis of the item description, and by applying image classification for the detection of Schreger lines, indicative of elephant ivory. However, any solution relying on images or text description could not be employed on other wildlife illegal markets where pictures can be missing or misleading and text absent (e.g., Instagram). In our setting, we gave human experts all available information while only using minimal information for our analysis. Despite this, we succeeded at achieving a very high accuracy. This work is an important first step in speeding up the laborious, tedious and expensive task of expert discovery of illegal trade over the internet. It will also allow for faster reporting to law enforcement and better accountability. We hope this will also contribute to reducing poaching, by making this illegal trade harder and riskier for those involved.

Advances in digital media security and right management

Digital media security and right management is an emerging research area that has attracted the attention of many security computer professionals, law enforcement experts and practitioners. It is a multidisciplinary research area that includes multiple fields, i.e., law, computer science, networking, data mining and criminal justice. We believe that the papers enclosed in this Special Issue will contribute to the development of the digital media security field and will further stimulate research in this area.

EU Environmental Crime and Punishment

Environmental crimes often have a transnational aspect and constitute a serious and growing problem that needs to be tackled at European level. Recent developments under the Lisbon Treaty can be regarded as an unambiguous authorisation for the reconsideration of all criminal law related regulation, including the current Directive 2008/99/EC of the European Parliament, and of the Council on the protection of the environment through criminal law in light of the new legal environment. The reconsideration is particularly relevant in so far as the 2008 directive does not lay down measures concerning the procedural part of criminal law, nor does it touch upon the powers of police, prosecutors or judges. Moreover, it does not contain provisions on the role of Europol/Eurojust in the fight against environmental crime. However, in accordance with Europol’s envisaged role by the Stockholm Programme, a former proposal made by the Danish government back in 2000 intended to include Europol in this work. It should also be emphasised that the investigation of environmental crime has its own difficulties. These difficulties multiply when the offence has a cross-border aspect and the cooperation of more than one member state’s law enforcement authority is required. The available legal tools in this regard are also emerging within the EU, and t need to be analysed. The creation of the so-called “EnviCrimeNet” 2011 is promising, however it a purely informal cooperation of national law enforcement experts, sharing non-operational information.In light of the post Lisbon EU legal framework, the current directive for environmental crime needs to be reassessed. The problem was also recognised by the Action Plan Implementing the Stockholm Programme, when it called for legislative proposals that would supplement Directive 2008/99/EC by protecting the environment through criminal law and Directive 2009/123/EC on ship-source pollution. This dissertation will focus on the potential for further development in the context of territorially based environmental crime.

Toward Effective and Reliable Digital Forensics

Digital forensics is a recently emerged research area, and it has attracted the attention of computer professionals, law enforcement experts and practitioners. It is a multidisciplinary area that includes multiple fields, i.e. law, computer science, finance, networking, data mining and criminal justice. We believe that papers enclosed in this Special Issue will enhance knowledge in digital forensics and will stimulate further research in the important areas of information and network security.

Advanced Scientific Methods and Procedures in the Forensic Investigation of Clandestine Graves

Our goal is to discuss the new technologies and procedures that we have developed for the discovery and recovery of buried victims. We argue that forensic investigations of clandestine graves must be grounded in the most advanced scientific methods and evidence-collection techniques available. A structured program that includes an interdisciplinary team of forensic scientists and law enforcement experts is proposed to facilitate all aspects of the investigative and legal process. Such issues are of great relevance because most legal jurisdictions have a number of cases each year and present operating procedures are not standardized. There is a clear need for national dialog to improve our investigative efforts and insure best practices in forensic science across legal jurisdictions and law enforcement agencies.

Willingness to Report Crimes: The Role of Ethnic Group Membership and Community Efficacy

Law enforcement experts and observers of immigrant communities have suggested that immigrants are reluctant to report crimes to the police. Various reasons have been advanced to support this idea, ranging from distrust of authorities to fear of retaliation or deportation to lack of confidence in the police. This study examined willingness to report crimes among residents of six ethnic communities in New York City. In spite of the pessimism expressed in the literature, the authors found that large majorities of respondents said that they would report break-ins, muggings, family violence, and (to a lesser extent) drug selling. Persons who said that their ethnic community was likely to work together to solve local problems and those who believed that their community wielded political power were more likely than those whose communities were disenfranchised to say that they would report crimes.

Green Brigade: Horticultural Learn-and-Earn Program for Juvenile Offenders

118 U rban centers throughout the United States are faced with youth disaffection, which translates into increased participation in criminal activities and other antisocial behavior. Social scientists and law enforcement experts are searching for ways to address the problem within the context of limited available revenue and reduced confidence in traditional social-intervention tactics. Gardening projects may be an acceptable option to address the growing problem of antisocial behavior by youth. Gardeners intuitively credit the hobby with a powerful contribution to feelings of well-being and increased self-esteem. In her work to reduce vandalism by the poor children of Rome, M. Montessori (1912) described the effect of gardening among her charges as instilling “peaceful equilibrium and the first germs of wisdom which so characterized the tillers of the soil. ” She also said that the children who gardened were “initiated into observation of the phenomena of life...as interest and observation grow, [children’s] zealous care for living creatures grows... and [they] can be brought to appreciate the care which mother and teacher take of [them] .“ Nature writer J. Cornell (1989) wrote, “As we begin to feel our common bond of life with living things around us, our actions become more harmonious in an unforced, natural way, and we become concerned for the needs and well-being of all creatures.”