Studies of satellite-based tracking systems for improving law enforcement : comprising investigation data, digital evidence and monitoring of legality

Rajamäki, Jyri Studies of satellite-based tracking systems for improving law enforcement: Comprising investigation data, digital evidence and monitoring of legality Jyväskylä: University of Jyväskylä, 2014, 166 p. (+included articles) (Jyväskylä Studies in Computing ISSN 1456-5390; 192) ISBN 978-951-39-5788-9 (nid.) ISBN 978-951-39-5789-6 (PDF) Finnish summary Diss. Law enforcement agencies (LEAs) constantly seeks new technological recording, retrieving and monitoring solutions that would facilitate their combat against organized crime. This dissertation is interested in how new types of satellitebased tracking sensors, mobile monitoring stations and their associated communication channels for LEAs can be understood and designed, taking into account the chain-of-custody and monitoring-of-legality requirements. The empirical data for the eight cases of the dissertation were collected within four research projects from 2007 to 2014. The theoretical framework is built on the systems of systems theory and the normative design theories of information infrastructures and software-intensive systems. Satellite-based sensors and systems benefit LEAs when tracking non-cooperative targets. However, management of numerous electronic tracking devices within many simultaneous crime investigations has proven to be a demanding task for LEAs. Complications have spawned many lawsuits and negative publicity. These episodes have diminished citizens’ trust in a constitutional state. It has been verified by means of participative observations that LEAs have a tendency to create two-level systems: some that work on the streets and others that are valid in the courts of justice. The importance of transparency is emphasized at all EU administrative levels. However, LEAs concentrate only on data acquisition rather than on making their operations transparent throughout. Because of the privacy protection of suspects, investigations and data acquisition cannot be made public. However, these operations could be so transparent that the criticism and control made by citizens is possible to come true. To improve LEAs’ processes, the three main functions (crime investigation, chain-ofcustody and monitoring-of-legality) should be considered together. Combining their separate information systems will avoid tripling the workload. It will also lead to additional benefits, such as transparency of surveillance and a new tool for achieving a balance between surveillance and privacy.