Algorithmic Tools in the UK Criminal Justice System: Practice, Transparency, and Regulation
The UK criminal justice (CJ) system has embraced the use of algorithmic tools. They are employed as decision aids from policing to parole decisions. This can bring benefits such as improved efficiency and consistency, but also raises concerns. I will talk about our recent survey of algorithmic tools deployed in the UK’s CJ system, and our work on police perspectives on the UK’s draft ‘Algorithmic Transparency Standard’. We found that transparency is critically lacking, but is achievable and may improve policing practices if it becomes an integral part of algorithm development and deployment. I will discuss the policy implications of our findings, and concrete proposals for formulation of standards and oversight mechanisms.
Relevant papers:
2. The UK Algorithmic Transparency Standard: A Qualitative Analysis of Police Perspectives