Japan mulls using AI, big data to predict crime

Kajita, who studied theoretical physics at university, lived in Italy when her husband, also a researcher, was transferred to the country, and often fell prey to local pickpockets. She realized that without the knowledge of local situations, people are vulnerable to crimes. She then came up with the idea of applying her research method of explaining natural phenomena in mathematical formula to crime-prevention efforts. Kajita paid attention to email information provided by the Metropolitan Police Department on molestation cases, thefts and suspicious people. Despite the limited amount of data, predictions mostly matched areas where crimes were actually committed.