A Closer Look at Artificial Intelligence-Inspired Policing Technologies

Artificial intelligence-inspired policing technology and techniques like facial recognition software and digital surveillance continue to find traction and champions among law enforcement agencies, but at what cost to the public? Some cities like Wilmington, North Carolina, have even adopted AI-driven policing, where technology like ShotSpotter identifies gunshots and their locations. The software also recommends to patrol officers "next best action" based on their current location, police data on past crime records, time of day, and housing and population density. Renée Cummings, data activist in residence at the University of Virginia's School of Data Science, warns that the rules of citizenship are changing with the development of AI-inspired policing technologies. She explains, "If the rules are changing, then the public needs to have a voice and has the right to provide input on where we need to go with these technologies as well as demand solutions that are accountable, explainable and ethical." As artificial intelligence is used toward the development of technology-based solutions, Cummings' research questions the ethical use of technology to collect and track citizen data, aiming to hold agencies more accountable and to provide citizens greater transparency.