Introduction to Crime and Punishment

In a society based on laws, crime and punishment are serious topics. With each new crime that pops up, another method of detection is developed; and with each new crime that pops up, another means of protecting yourself comes to light. Learn about various crimes and the available means of detection, protection, and punishment.

Crime

How Lock Picking Works
In movies, burglars can open a lock using a paper clip. Is it really so easy? The basic process of picking a lock is simple, but it takes a lot of practice to get it right. Explore the everyday technology of locks and keys.

How Safecracking Works
People use safes to keep their valuables, well -- safe. But in movies, crackerjack thieves can open a safe using a little concentration and a good ear. Is it really possible to open a safe so easily? Not exactly ... Explore the fascinating technology behind safecracking.

How the Mafia Works
The mafia has controlled everything from the corner drug dealer to labor-union leadership to high-level politicians. Learn all about how the Mafia is structured, how it operates, how it formed, how it has evolved and which law-enforcement methods have been effective against this type of organized crime.

How Identity Theft Works
The idea that someone can "steal" your identity is very, very unsettling, but it happens every day. A lot of damage can be done in this situation. Learn all about identity theft and what steps you can take to avoid it.

How Moonshine Works
Think the days of backwoods stills and black market liquor are over? Think again: Police are still arresting moonshiners, those entrepreneurs who produce their own liquor and make a nice profit avoiding federal taxes. Learn how moonshine is made, why the practice began and how the law deals with moonshine today.
How Counterfeiting Works
In March 2004, a woman tried to pay for goods using a $1 million bill. Fortunately, the cashier knew something wasn’t right. But, most counterfeit bills aren't this obvious. Find out what you can do to spot a fake.

Protecting Yourself

How Body Armor Works
Body armor is essential for many people in high-risk professions. It comes in lots of styles and protection levels. Learn how modern armor technologies stop bullets.

How Stun Guns Work
Stun guns fall into the category of "non-lethal weapons." They can incapacitate a person without causing permanent damage. Find out how different types of stun guns work to immobilize their target.

How Revolvers Work
The revolver turned shooting a round into a one-step process, forever changing the face of crime, law enforcement and self-defense. Find out what goes on inside a revolver.

How Shotguns Work
Why a shotgun instead of, say, a rifle? Well, to do its job, a projectile must both make contact with the target and hit the target in a critical spot. With a wider stream of potentially deadly projectiles, a shotgun is like using a can of spray paint if a rifle is like using a felt-tip pen.

How Karate Works
Karate is an incredible art form, built on the concept of merging body and mind into a defensive weapon. See how karatekas use this merger to break cinder blocks with their feet.

How Encryption Works
How secure is the Internet for sending sensitive information? Can a hacker just snag your credit card number when you buy something online? Learn all about encryption, authentication, hash algorithms and more.
How Fingerprint Scanners Work
Your fingerprints are not only unique; they're also very hard to fake and even harder to misplace. What better ID to use in a security system? Learn how fingerprint scanners know it's you.
How Witness Protection Works
The Federal Witness Security Program protects crucial witnesses -- those whose testimony will put some of the most wanted criminals behind bars -- by making them disappear. How do you erase one identity and create a whole new one? Find out how the Witness Security Program "relocates" witnesses and their families.

Catching the Bad Guys

How Crime Scene Investigations Work
On TV shows like "CSI," viewers watch investigators find and collect evidence at the scene of a crime, making blood appear as if by magic and swabbing every mouth in the vicinity. But does Hollywood get it right? Learn what really goes on when a CSI "processes a crime scene" and get a real-world view of crime scene investigation.

How Facial Recognition Systems Work
How unique is your face? New software can identify you by scanning your features. Learn how facial recognition software can turn any crowded street into a police lineup.

How Workplace Surveillance Works
If you're surfing at work, you may not be the only one who knows. Watching workers has become an industry unto itself. Find out exactly how companies are monitoring employees.

How Red-light Cameras Work
The light turns red. You're alone at the intersection. There's not another car in sight. Do you run it? Read this before you answer.

How Anti-shoplifting Devices Work
A fascinating article that examines the variety of anti-shoplifting devices being used by retail businesses and how these systems and devices work!

How AMBER Alert Works
The AMBER alert system led to the rescue of three kidnapped girls on Thursday, when a motorist spotted the kidnapper's car and notified the police. Learn how the AMBER Alert began and see what it entails.

How Burglar Alarms Work
Burglar alarms have become more and more important in both businesses and homes. They're a primary protection mechanism against break-ins. Find out how they work.

How Car Alarms Work
They beep, wail and even yell at you. Car alarms are complex these days, with sensors that set off the siren before a potential thief even touches the car. Learn all about car alarms.

How does the FCC police obscenity?
The FCC is the government group that reacted to Janet Jackson's Super Bowl exposure and to indecency violations by Bubba the Love Sponge. Learn about the FCC's obscenity criteria.

How Wiretapping Works
It's easy to tap a phone. Keeping a wiretap secret, now that's the tricky part. That’s where the recording equipment and surveillance teams come in. Learn how government spies and other pros go about listening in.

How Breathalyzers Work
Breathalyzers help police officers find out who's driving drunk. Learn how these devices determine blood alcohol content based on alcohol in the breath.

How DNA Evidence Works
DNA evidence is now as important as fingerprints in convicting criminals and freeing innocent suspects. Learn how your DNA can be used to identify you.

How Lie Detectors Work
Lie detection is a consistently controversial topic -- how can a machine tell truth from deception? Does everyone have the same physiological reaction when telling a lie? If so, how can some people "beat the box"? Find out what these devices measure and if they really can detect lies.

How Luminol Works
You know on crime shows when they spray some stuff on a "clean" carpet and suddenly -- blood stains! This crime scene tool actually exists. Find out how luminol reveals the blood.
How Metal Detectors Work
Metal detectors can do more than just detect metal -- they can tell you the kind of metal it is and even how deep it's buried. Learn how these units pinpoint and identify their target.

Punishment

How Lawsuits Work
You probably hear about lawsuits all the time –- neighbors suing neighbors over an overgrown tree, employees suing employers over unlawful termination. Find out how a civil case unfolds.
How Lethal Injection Works
Lethal injection is not a light topic, and it's the subject of much debate. Do you know what's actually involved in lethal injection as a method of capital punishment? Find out about the various procedures.