Seventy Years of the Journal of Criminal Investigation and Criminology: Linking Past Experience to the Quantum Revolution

Abstract

This paper is a contribution to the 70th-anniversary issue of the Journal and analyses criminal investigation themed papers published in the Journal. The analyses here presents a proposed form for future publishing and research that will include transition to the quantum technological revolution that brings changes in contemporary forms of crime. It begins with research contributions of Pear and Mayer, who have periodically pointed out the problems with the development of criminal investigation in Slovenia. Their findings were updated with an analysis of 88 articles from the Journal of Criminal Investigation and Criminology and with analysis of 211 articles in the journal Criminal Investigation Service. The review reveals insights into contributions from the field of criminal investigation and a departure from the original goals that were set up the jJournal was initially launched. However, it presents a good starting point for setting publishing goals in the future. From the prevailing professional articles and case studies, a transition to scientific contributions is shown. We also find that most contributions do not offer concrete solutions and only a few contributions suggest changes. Therefore, we propose to focus on an ideal paper to be co-authored by theorists and practitioners, which would at the same time satisfy the demands of the Journal, as well as preserve practical usage in the field. Such an approach would also improve the knowledge base of the practitioners. If we want to successfully fight modern forms of criminality, it is necessary to implement the achievements of the new technological revolution as well good practices from abroad and use them in solutions and changes in Slovenia. Incentives are the resources of the European Commission in the Horizon 2020 Program dedicated to quantum technology particularly in the fields of communications, security, defence and energy. Therefore, in the future, the research teams that will compete for planned financial resources in the field of security will need to include researchers in the fields of criminal investigation, criminology and information security. It is also important to connect with others, and the Faculty of Criminal Justice and Security can play an important role. Strong emphasis must be placed on education and training in new technologies and the usability of these in revealing, investigating and solving crimes, but of course for this to happen, quality articles are needed.