Can technology-driven crime prevention coexist with fairness and justice?
Predictive Justice: A Double-Edged Sword in Crime Prevention
Exploring the Promise and Pitfalls of Predictive Policing in Modern Law Enforcement
Recently, Predictive policing has gained some attention in various parts of the world, including the United States. This relatively novel strategy of fighting crime employs computer algorithms to predict where the crimes are likely to happen. Due to its controversial nature, I am going to talk about predictive policing, which has sparked significant debate. While this strategy promises more efficient law enforcement, however, we can not overlook the ethical snags it presents. Understanding the crux of these issues would help us understand why cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago have tested this strategy and decided to abandon this approach.
Disproportionate Targeting
One of the significant drawbacks regarding the use of predictive policing is its tendency to target low-income neighborhoods and high-minority areas disproportionately. This biased trend often leads to increased police presence in these communities, inducing systemic racism and violating principles of fair justice.
