AI adoption in criminal justice – How can industry support the justice system in implementing Artificial Intelligence.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a powerful technology that has introduced a solid value to various sectors, from healthcare to finance. Its potential to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and decision-making processes has made it an inalienable tool. The criminal justice system is no exception, with AI being actively integrated to aid in various judicial processes.

This post explores AI adoption in the criminal justice system, particularly in the UK, and describes the core role this technology plays in the industry's transformation.

The Current Landscape of AI in Criminal Justice

The UK courts are facing a serious crisis, as Business LDN claims. With an all-time high number of cases awaiting trial and an increasing volume of evidence to review, it has become critical to consider the role of advanced technology in the criminal justice system. Today, almost every criminal investigation comprises much digital evidence, like text messages, emails, WhatsApp chats, and data from GPS systems and fitness trackers. This massive amount of digital information is a considerable challenge for criminal defense lawyers. For instance, in the case of Liam Allan, 40,000 text messages were left out of the evidence, causing the case to collapse at the last minute.

AI's integration into the criminal justice system is an efficient solution to the issues above, incorporating areas such as predictive policing, risk assessment for bail decisions, and sentencing. In the UK, AI tools are used to analyze vast amounts of data to predict crime hotspots and allocate police resources optimally. Predictive policing uses algorithms to forecast where crimes tend to occur, founded on historical data, providing appropriate measures.

Risk assessment algorithms are also being employed to aid judges in making informed bail decisions. These tools assess the likelihood of a defendant reoffending or failing to appear in court. This way, AI assists in handling biases that can impact human judgment. Similarly, AI-driven sentencing tools help research various factors to suggest fair sentencing, aiming to decrease disparities and enhance consistency.

Still, the adoption of AI in criminal justice comes with certain challenges. Issues such as algorithmic bias, transparency, and accountability are significant concerns. The potential for AI to contribute to existing biases (when managed incorrectly) and insufficient transparency in AI decision-making processes can decrease trust in this technology. However, these issues can be resolved. Thus, AI’s effective adoption should be done by sticking to robust ethical guidelines and regulatory frameworks.

Examples of Successful Industry Support

Industry collaboration has been a solid solution for successfully implementing AI in the criminal justice system. For instance, Palantir Technologies has worked with UK law enforcement, covering the Metropolitan Police Service and the National Crime Agency. Using AI-powered data platforms has helped with criminal investigations, intelligence gathering, and planning. Palantir’s software analyzes vast data loads from different sources, allowing law enforcement to find patterns, connect criminal activities, and prioritize resources more effectively.

Another great example is Northgate Public Services, which has partnered with West Midlands Police to create the National Data Analytics Solution (NDAS), an AI-driven predictive policing tool. NDAS uses machine learning to investigate past crime data and project future crime hotspots. This tool helps police allocate resources strategically and address arising crime tendencies. The partnership has led to significant improvements in crime prevention and reduction in the West Midlands, showcasing AI’s effectiveness in law enforcement.

Ways Industry Can Support the Justice System

To further support the justice system in adopting AI, there are several suggested actions:

• Providing expertise and resources. IT providers can offer their expertise and resources to develop AI solutions tailored to the needs of the justice system. We at PLANEKS, a leading software development vendor, can become a trusted partner for justice agencies to create sophisticated, bespoke tools that address outstanding challenges in criminal justice.
• Collaborating with policymakers and stakeholders. It is crucial to collaborate cohesively with policymakers and stakeholders to set ethical guidelines and regulations for AI use in criminal justice. Hand-in-hand cooperation guarantees that AI implementations are transparent, accountable, and free from biases, ensuring public trust.
• Offering training and support. Comprehensive training and support for justice professionals is the fundamental step for the effective employment of AI-based software. Justice agencies can design training programs that equip judges, probation officers, and law enforcement personnel with the necessary skills to use AI technologies competently.

Conclusion

The integration of AI into the criminal justice system has robust potential for boosting efficiency, fairness, and decision-making. Successful AI adoption requires strong support from the industry. With the support of credible tech vendors like we at PLANEKS, collaborating on ethical frameworks and preparing AI usage training, agencies can optimize their criminal justice workflows. Industry stakeholders should actively support AI implementation, ensuring that these technologies serve the principles of justice and equality.

Georgie Morgan

Head of Justice and Emergency Services, techUK

Georgie joined techUK as the Justice and Emergency Services (JES) Programme Manager in March 2020, then becoming Head of Programme in January 2022.

Georgie leads techUK's engagement and activity across our blue light and criminal justice services, engaging with industry and stakeholders to unlock innovation, problem solve, future gaze and highlight the vital role technology plays in the delivery of critical public safety and justice services. The JES programme represents suppliers by creating a voice for those who are selling or looking to break into and navigate the blue light and criminal justice markets.

Prior to joining techUK, Georgie spent 4 and a half years managing a Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP) in Westminster. She worked closely with the Metropolitan Police and London borough councils to prevent and reduce the impact of crime on the business community. Her work ranged from the impact of low-level street crime and anti-social behaviour on the borough, to critical incidents and violent crime.

Email:

[email protected]

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgie-henley/

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Cinzia Miatto

Programme Manager - Justice & Emergency Services, techUK

Cinzia joined techUK in August 2023 as the Justice and Emergency Services (JES) Programme Manager.

The JES programme represents suppliers, championing their interests in the blue light and criminal justice markets, whether they are established entities or newcomers seeking to establish their presence.

Prior to join techUK, Cinzia held positions within the third and public sectors, managing international and multi-disciplinary projects and funding initiatives. Cinzia has a double MA degree in European Studies from the University of Göttingen (Germany) and the University of Udine (Italy), with a focus on politics and international relations.

Email:

[email protected]

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Ella Gago-Brookes

Team Assistant, Markets, techUK

Ella joined techUK in November 2023 as a Markets Team Assistant, supporting the Justice and Emergency Services, Central Government and Financial Services Programmes.  

Before joining the team, she was working at the Magistrates' Courts in legal administration and graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2022.  Ella attained an undergraduate degree in History and Politics, and a master's degree in International Relations and Security Studies, with a particular interest in studying asylum rights and gendered violence.  

In her spare time she enjoys going to the gym, watching true crime documentaries, travelling, and making her best attempts to become a better cook.  

Email:

[email protected]

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Authors

Iryna Mahalias

Co-Founder & CEO, PLANEKS