Criminal Investigation and the Incidence of AI in the Collection and Management of Digital Evidence

This research paper analyzes the optimization of criminal investigations by integrating artificial intelligence into digital evidence, highlighting the significant impact of emerging technologies on law enforcement processes. In an era characterized by fast digitalization, the contemporary criminal phenomenon has diversified, and the complexity and volume of computer data require an efficient adaptation of investigative tools. This paper analyzes the mechanisms through which artificial intelligence can facilitate the discernment and analysis of digital evidence, thus contributing to the efficiency of criminal investigation activities. Relevant case studies and examples of good practices extracted from different jurisdictions are presented here, highlighting both the functional advantages and the ethical and legal challenges arising from the use of AI technologies in crime-fighting activities. The analysis also includes a discussion of the rigor of evidence standards and procedural guarantees, emphasizing the need for a responsible and transparent application of artificial intelligence in the context of crime investigation. The conclusions suggest that integrating AI into criminal trials can be a viable solution for increasing the efficiency and accuracy of investigations while ensuring compliance with the fundamental principles of law. This paper aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse on technological innovations in criminal law and the reconfiguration of investigative paradigms in line with the demands of a modern society.