Jan 14, 2020
Should Artificial Intelligence Be Used To Predict Crime?
Some cities in our country are using Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools
to determine if an individual is likely to commit a violent crime. We
are not talking about AI being used to predict the possible criminal
behavior of a random individual, but rather to predict the behavior of
those accused of a crime awaiting trial. In essence, computers are being
used to determine whether or not someone should be denied bail.
Even though the United States makes up only four percent of the world\'s
population, it houses twenty percent of pre-trial prisoners. In other
words, the United States holds more legally innocent people captive than
any other place on the planet (excluding totalitarian regimes like North
Korea). What AI supposedly does is factor in many aspects of an
individual, such as criminal history, whether they rent or own, how long
they have been employed and even whether or not they own a smart phone.
The computer uses an algorithm to \"predict\" whether or not a person is
likely to commit a violent crime if released on bond.
Most experts agree that this use of AI is flawed at the very least. Why?
Well, violent crime is extremely rare, and the statistics for it are
basically meaningless when applied to the entire population. Therefore
any prediction that the AI may make is also meaningless. The odds of a
first offender being released and committing a violent crime are very,
very low to begin with.
If you have been accused of a crime or are being charged with one, you
need a strong defense to protect your rights, including your right to
bail. If you live in Burlington, Essex, Colchester, Winooski, Williston,
Shelburne or anywhere in the state of Vermont, and have been
arrested or charged with DUI or any crime, call Handy Law for aggressive
and experienced legal defense.