Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Criminal Justice System and Governance Framework
While balancing the benefits and risks of artificial intelligence and license plate recognition technologies in the criminal justice system, a new governance framework is introduced.
While artificial intelligence promises security and efficiency in the criminal justice system, it creates risks regarding privacy and freedom. Former Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Nathan L. Hecht stated that a new governance framework has been prepared to balance the risks and benefits of these technologies.
The Dual Impact of Artificial Intelligence
While artificial intelligence promises to make the criminal justice system safer and fairer, it simultaneously introduces new risks in terms of privacy and individual rights.
Advantages of License Plate Recognition Systems
Automated license plate readers help police protect a domestic violence survivor from a stalker approaching her home, as seen in the city of Hewitt, Texas.
Additionally, this technology provides significant support to law enforcement in situations such as locating murder suspects, rescuing kidnapped children, and identifying missing persons.
Risks of Technology Misuse
Recent investigations document that some police officers have used the same camera network for private purposes, such as tracking close relatives and former partners.
Furthermore, there have been instances where individuals were mistakenly detained or accused due to inadequate verification of license plate reader results.
Purpose of the Governance Framework
Criminal justice agencies need a practical way to evaluate the benefits and risks of artificial intelligence before critical decisions are made.
Prepared with research support from RAND, this framework aims to assess whether leaders possess sufficient technical expertise to manage the technology.
Future Responsibilities
As software updates introduce new data sources and analytical tools, the technology evolves, and governance must evolve alongside this process.
Governors and attorneys general should establish clear expectations for the use of artificial intelligence in criminal justice agencies and integrate the framework into this process.