Is Social Media a Crime Fighting Tool?

Traditionally, evidence such as DNA, fingerprints and eyewitness accounts are what helps convicts defendants in criminal cases, but in this case their tool is social media. Who would have imagined that social media can help solve a case?

Three teenage boys were arrested Thursday and are faced with charges of sexual battery. The incident happened at an unsupervised house party in Saratoga, California, in September. Almost a year later, the three teenage boys were arrested.

It’s amazing how evidence can go viral! Similar to another case, where two football players were convicted of raping a girl who had too much to drink and images posted to social media sites. What is this world coming to?

In this case, Audrie Pott had too much to drink as well and eventually passed out.  The three teenage boys took advantage of her and took photos of the attack. They shared them at school, via text and social media networks. After learning that her photos were posted online, 15 year old Audrie posted on Facebook,

“They took pictures of me.

My life is ruined.

This is the worst day ever”.  

 

After this accouchement she hung herself.  

The case shocked many in Silicon Valley, where many of the tech giants, including Facebook are located. It underscored the immoral use of technology by young people in bullying others. Digital technologies can expand the harm that people suffer greatly.

The photos were taken of the assault as it was taking place. They spread like wildfire online. It was obvious who the culprits were by the username that uploaded the photos. 

On the Friday after her death, September 14, all the students at Saratoga High wore teal, Audrie's favorite color



It’s clear that Facebook and Twitter are added to the list of crime fighting tools. Social media has helped police agencies solve cases big and small.

Everyone in the high school knew who was responsible due to the leakage of photos from the assault. Although the images that were posted online were disturbing and upsetting they were useful throughout the investigation. All in all, the pictures assisted in bringing the young men to justice.

Social networking addiction is creating what can ultimately be a vast crime fighting network, by connecting people (witnesses) to the locations, dates, times, and photos that are instrumental in solving crimes.



Social media is helpful during law enforcement investigations

 

We have small clues about our lives all over the internet like fingerprints. In this California case, both the photos and Facebook post served as evidence to help capture Audrie’s offenders.