As the temperature cools down and the sun sets earlier, movie nights are back in full effect. This weekend, we have the perfect film for you: Minority Report. Dystopian action, young Tom Cruise, and the giddy nostalgia of early 2000s films – what’s not to love? Okay, you caught us. While the movie is sure to be a great watch, we’re actually recommending it in an effort to introduce you to the idea of crime prediction.

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The concept of cultivating a form of technology that can predict future crimes is straight out of a Hollywood film; but, it’s becoming our reality. Artificial intelligence has integrated itself relatively easily into our society – most industries are taking advantage of the powers of technology. Here at Prospero.Ai, we are proud to intertwine ourselves with the force of AI. We benefit from the technology’s predictive ability that helps our users make educated, data-driven decisions in their investment journey. Well, it seems like AI’s reach extends beyond financial investing as law enforcement departments are ready to reap the many benefits of AI.

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Predictive policing has been a topic of interest for most law enforcement agencies; creating technology that can anticipate the potential execution of a crime before it happens. The hope is that the information produced by this technology can inevitably help law enforcement agents prevent crime before it even occurs. In theory, this sounds like a profound idea that could increase safety and security for all communities. However, we all know the practice isn’t always reflective of the theory.

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So, how does it work? We asked George, our knowledgeable CEO, to explain all things algorithm and data-driven for creating predictive policing technology.

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AI learns from data and follows a set of rules – which is what we call an algorithm – in order to recognize patterns for prediction. In this case, the technology will analyze historical crime data, patterns, and other environmental factors to forecast where crimes are likely to occur. By understanding trends like time of day, geography, and even socioeconomic conditions, AI can provide law enforcement with data-backed predictions about areas that might need more attention. This approach aims to make policing more efficient and preventive, focusing resources in the right places before incidents happen.

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We saw this at the University of Chicago where a team of scientists created an AI-based algorithm that utilizes historical crime data in an effort to predict future criminal occurrences. The team tested their technology in Chicago and roughly eight other high crime cities like Los Angeles and Philadelphia. They reported a 90% accuracy rate in their technology’s predictions. In Argentina, law enforcement is utilizing similar technology and even building on it by implementing social media monitoring.

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However, not every attempt at predictive policing has been successful. From 2018 to 2019, Plainfield Police Department used a software called Geolitica – formerly known as PredPol – to predict crimes in the area. The technology was discovered to have a 0.5% accuracy rate; it was reported to perpetuate racial bias and disparities in the community. 

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AI has an incredible potential to aid in crime prediction and prevention but we need to operate with caution and thoughtfulness. The ethical challenges that will – and already have – appear cannot be ignored. Bias in data and privacy violations must be addressed in order to ensure this technology does not disproportionately harm one community over another. Additionally, transparency is imperative to instill public trust in the technology.

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Just as our AI platform aims to create a secure financial future for you, AI in law enforcement is aiming to create a secure environment for everyone. The technology’s predictive capabilities have the potential to prevent crime, save lives, and if all goes well, create safer communities. 

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The future of AI is full of potential and promise, but it must be handled with diligence. Our application relies greatly on the power of AI, nevertheless, we guide it with integrity and attentiveness. The hope is that AI can truly emerge as a system to aid in crime prevention and enhance safety. Whether in finance or security, AI is driving innovation and cultivating a brighter, more sustainable future. It may not be the hero we expected, but it is proving to be the hero we deserve!

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