The Boston Bombings: Case Study Analysis

Instructions and Requirements

The goal of this assignment is to analyze the use of technology in the Boston Bombings investigation. The role of technology played an important part in the apprehension of the suspects.Critical analysis of the topic does not merely repeat what the sources tell you. Be sure to demonstrate your comprehensive analysis and rationale for your conclusions.Of importance is that you clearly illustrate your critical thinking and analysis skills.

It can be argued that the CCTV footage of the Boston bombers, both before and after the detonation played a crucial role in the identification of the Tsarnaev brothers. In addition, thousands of smartphone videos and photos were taken and submitted to law enforcement. The cumulative result? Law enforcement had at its disposal valuable intelligence, which led to the eventual confrontation between law enforcement and the bombers.

Research, discuss and critically analyze the use of technology (CCTV, Internet, Social Media, Crowdsourcing) that took place during the investigation. There is a large amount of published information on the use, misuse and the results of the aforementioned during the investigation. Essential to your preparation for this assignment is the review of the following video: “Could the Boston Bombings been Prevented and Is Social Media a Gateway for Terrorist Propaganda” located in the Unit 4 Assigned Readings and Preparation Activities.

Incorporate your answers to the enclosed questions into your overall discussion and analysis of the issues.

Much debate has followed the use of CCTV cameras in the public sphere. Did their use during and after the bombings signal an expansion of such into our society? Why or why not?

Define crowdsourcing. Thoroughly discuss its use. Did crowdsourcing lead to erroneous identifications? If so, why?

Discuss the role of social media in the coverage of the bombings. How was it used by law enforcement and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev?

Do you believe the use of the aforementioned technologies infringe on civil liberties? Explain.

Your paper will be a minimum of 1,700 words, excluding the title page and references, and include a minimum of “four” scholarly or professional journal articles written with the last five years. The use of the Deets Library or other accessible library and/or the Naval Post Graduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security – Homeland Security Digital Library https://www.hsdl.org/?collection/stratpol is required.Be sure to properly cite all sources in-text and in references.

Your paper should include the following components:

1.Title Page (per the APA – running head, etc.)

2.Introduction (clearly stated thesis)

3.Body – use section headers for each relevant component of the paper

4.Conclusion

5.References (formatted per the APA and on a separate page)