Emerging tools and technologies and the future of policing Research: an introduction

Abstract

The criminal justice system is experiencing growth in the use of artificial intelligence, sometimes referred to as ‘intelligent machines,’ that are capable of independent perception and response to an environment, as well as possessing the capability of independently performing tasks that ordinarily would be performed by human intelligence and decision-making processes. The inclusion of such technology is currently seen in the field of policing in forensics, virtual reality training, license-plate readers, and increasingly, to analyze body-worn camera footage. As the prevalence and sophistication of these tools and technologies continues to increase, it becomes crucial to understand how the criminal justice system, policing in particular, uses these tools, as well as the potential impact they have on a variety of outcomes, including those related to case outcomes, personnel management, organizational efficiency, etc.