Paper Summary:

Law enforcement uses a wide range of tactics to expose and apprehend those involved in organized crime. This paper examines how surveillance is widely used to detect terrorist and paramilitary plots, drug and human trafficking activities, identity and information theft, money laundering, among other activities. Specifically, the paper explores the history of surveillance as an investigative tool, current surveillance trends, and controversies related to privacy rights.

From the Paper:

"Detecting and monitoring criminal, political, and social patterns has a long history. Thousands of years ago, Ancient Egyptians kept massive records on its citizens' military involvement and immigration patterns. In the year 1086, the Normal administration began collecting data related to land holdings as a means of establishing military domains. Later, in 1831, the invention of the telegraph drew tremendous interest from law enforcement agencies that commenced a permanent dependent relationship between law enforcement surveillance capabilities and technological advancements. For instance, wiretapping surveillance followed soon after the invention of the telephone in 1876 (Hunter, 2007). Advances in electronics and computer technology have given law enforcement tremendous investigative tools however these developments have benefited organized crime at an even faster rate. Thus the vast challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in detecting criminal activities are overwhelming. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bullinga, M. (2004). Intelligent government: Invisible, automatic, and everywhere. The Futurist, 38(4), 32-37.
• Freeh, L. J. (1999). Encryption and electronic surveillance. Vital Speeches of the Day, 65(24), 738-743.
• Hunter, G. E. (2007). The use of technology to invade personal privacy in the interest of
• collective security: Does the end justify the means?. Law Technology, 40(1), 1-20.
• Mueller, III, R. S. (2007). Child pornography and the Internet. Vital Speeches of the Day, 73(1), 45-48.

Visitors who viewed this Descriptive Essay also liked these:

• Essay # 88508 : "Economic Reform in Russia and Organized Crime"
• Essay # 51327 : "The Mafia and Organized Crime"
• Research Paper # 147468 : "Government Corruption and White Collar and Organized Crime"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: