Constructing the criminal: an exploration of police practitioners' understandings of the use of telecommunicatons data in criminal investigations.

Abstract

This dissertation examines telecommunications within criminal investigations in the hope that a comprehensive understanding of its use can be determined. Drawing on the findings of an empirical study of police practitioners as well as the key themes taken from a number of library based sources, this study attempts to investigate how telecommunications are shaping current and future policing investigations.
In efforts to directly address the distinct lack of any available literature or published research involving the use of telecommunications within a criminal investigation setting the study strives to gain a greater knowledge, at ‘grass roots level’, of the methodologies used, the practitioners involved and the challenges presented in the delivery of this investigative tactic.
Despite its significant contribution to major criminal investigation this study highlights the key dangers from emerging telecommunications technology and the doubts cast over its future use within such a setting given the shortcomings of law enforcement to adapt and respond to these developments.