Top 5 Ways Technology Helps Solve Crimes in 2025
As technology rapidly evolves, law enforcement is leveraging innovative tools for crime in new ways. From advanced AI systems to everyday devices, these technologies are transforming how investigations are conducted, making it easier to analyze evidence, identify suspects, and validate testimonies. Here are the top five ways technology is helping solve crimes in 2025.
1. Augmented Reality (AR) in Witness Testimonies
AR is being tested to help witnesses reconstruct and visualize crime scenes more effectively during police interviews. This immersive tool helps jog memory and provide detailed accounts.
For example, the Vision Pro’s high-resolution display and eye-projection feature combine immersion with connection, enabling jurors to explore detailed reconstructions or evidence while engaging with witnesses. They can also darken the goggles to block distractions and focus on critical footage or testimony, enhancing their understanding of the case.
2. Tattoo Recognition Technology
AI algorithms are being used to analyze tattoos found on suspects or victims. These systems match tattoos with databases to identify gang affiliations or uncover hidden identities.
Tattoos play a key role in criminal investigations, helping police identify suspects and prison officials recognize gang affiliations. With over 45 million tattooed Americans, these markings can reveal critical details, such as confirming identities when suspects provide aliases or distinguishing individuals with the same name. Witnesses may also describe tattoos seen during crimes, allowing sketches to be cross-referenced in tattoo databases.
However, tattoo recognition technology (TRT) raises significant legal questions. Issues include privacy rights, search and seizure laws, freedom of expression and religion, potential racial profiling, and Fifth Amendment protections. Legal challenges under constitutional, federal, and state laws may impact the development and adoption of TRT as a crime-solving tool, leaving its future uncertain.
3. Voice-Activated Smart Devices as Witnesses
Smart home devices like Amazon Echo or Google Home have been used to capture audio evidence during crimes. In one case, data from an Alexa device was subpoenaed to help solve a murder case by analyzing ambient sounds recorded during the incident.
Smart speakers aren’t “witnesses” but potential evidence, like a phone or surveillance footage. If introduced at trial, experts would analyze their data for accuracy, clarity, and signs of tampering, with judges deciding admissibility.
Such data has broad courtroom potential, especially in domestic violence, child abuse, or burglary cases, as well as civil matters like custody or divorce disputes. However, questions about privacy and device reliability remain significant concerns.
4. Deepfake Detection for Evidence Validation
As deepfake technology becomes more prevalent, specialized AI tools are being used to verify the authenticity of video or audio evidence submitted during investigations.
This is critical for ensuring that digital manipulation doesn’t compromise the integrity of criminal cases.
A study recently highlighted the variations in user confidence levels, and emphasized the need for greater transparency and user education to build trust in the Deepfake Detection decision-making processes. Concerns about recall suggest that human oversight remains essential to address the nuanced challenges of deepfake detection.
5. Smartphones Acting as Witnesses
In some investigations, smartphones equipped with advanced AI are being used to detect ambient sounds, such as gunshots, and match them with databases to identify weapons or reconstruct crime scenes. Apps like ShotSpotter can identify the location of gunfire in urban environments, assisting law enforcement with real-time alerts.
Moving Forward
Technology continues to redefine the way criminal justice systems operate, offering new avenues for solving cases and gathering evidence. From AI-driven recognition tools to the everyday devices we use, these innovations provide valuable insights, but also introduce complex legal and ethical considerations. As these technologies evolve, their integration into law enforcement practices will play a key role in shaping the future of crime-solving!
