The integration of cutting-edge technology into policing is transforming law enforcement, but it raises critical questions about civil liberties. In this blog, we explore the evolving role of technology in policing, examining its benefits, challenges, and the ethical considerations it brings to the forefront.
The Rise of Technological Tools in Policing
Advancements in technology have revolutionized law enforcement, providing new tools to enhance public safety and crime prevention. Predictive policing algorithms analyze vast amounts of data to identify potential crime hotspots, while body-worn cameras offer accountability and transparency in police interactions. For example, 47% of general-purpose law enforcement agencies have adopted body-worn cameras; for large departments, that number jumps to 80%. A program profile in Boston found a 63.6% reduction in officer use-of-force reports and a 50.5% reduction in citizen complaints for treatment officers relative to control officers from the pre-intervention period to the 12-month intervention period.
Benefits and Challenges of Technology in Policing
While technology promises improved efficiency and effectiveness in law enforcement, it also presents significant challenges and ethical dilemmas. Predictive analytics and data-driven approaches help police departments allocate resources strategically and respond proactively to threats. However, these technologies also raise concerns about privacy rights, racial profiling, and algorithmic bias.
Predictive policing tools have been adopted by 20% of the 50 largest police departments in the US, with some cities reporting significant decreases in crime rates in targeted areas. The LAPD's LASER program, for instance, initially reported a reduction in gun-related homicides from 39 to 14 in one year. However, an internal audit in 2019 revealed significant inconsistencies in how individuals were selected and retained in the system, leading to the program's dismantling. We must not allow new technology to make us forget the past. LASER essentially replicates the flaws of hotspot policing, where disproportionate targeting of marginalized communities can exacerbate tensions rather than effectively reduce crime. This case serves as a crucial reminder that as we embrace new technologies in policing, we must remain vigilant about their potential pitfalls, ensuring that our approaches do not repeat past mistakes that undermine justice and community trust.
The Accuracy of Face Recognition Technology
Face recognition algorithms often tout impressive classification accuracy, some even stating success rates of over 90%. However, this supposed high performance easily breaks down when the algorithm is put to the test on all demographic groups. Many research bodies reveal that error rates vary significantly, but the group with the most consistently low accuracy rate seen is Black females between 18-30 years old. In fact, a project by MIT and Microsoft called "Gender Shades" divided subjects into four groups: darker-skinned females, darker-skinned males, lighter-skinned females, and lighter-skinned males. Darker-skinned females experienced error rates up to 34% higher than their lighter-skinned male counterparts.
Backing up these findings, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) assessed 189 face recognition algorithms and found them to be the least accurate for women of color. This highlights a significant issue: while face recognition technology might seem cutting-edge, its application can be deeply flawed, especially for marginalized groups. These disparities underscore the urgent need for more inclusive and accurate algorithm development to ensure fairness and reliability in tech applications.
As we navigate the complexities of face recognition technology, it's crucial to identify the broader societal implications of its flawed applications. The ongoing over-incarceration of women, particularly women of color, has significant consequences for communities across the nation, especially in Oklahoma, where African-American women represent 20% of the incarcerated female population despite comprising only 7.7% of the state's demographics. Addressing these disparities requires not only better technology but also a commitment to justice that ensures all individuals are treated fairly and equitably, ultimately fostering a more inclusive society.
Conclusion
The impact of technology on policing is significant, presenting both opportunities and challenges. By prioritizing ethical considerations and advocating for responsible innovation, we can leverage technology to improve public safety while safeguarding civil liberties and fostering community trust. This underscores the urgent need for greater transparency and regulation in the United States, especially in Oklahoma, where the implications of these technologies can disproportionately affect marginalized communities. Together, we can create a framework that balances the benefits of technological advancements with the need for accountability and transparency in law enforcement.
