Artificial intelligence is constantly updated and has made a huge impact on the world, being integrated into the majority of areas throughout everyday life. AI helps with schoolwork, business progression, and even unlocks people’s phones using simple face ID. These AI devices have also made their way into the development of law enforcement: police and investigators have begun to use AI to identify criminals using facial recognition technology. The issue, however, is that AI is not perfect, and innocent people are suffering because of it. It is important that a new procedure is developed that requires police to verify AI’s facial recognition to prevent more false arrests.
As police and other law enforcement allow AI to take charge of their investigations, Artificial Intelligence repeatedly misidentifies various individuals. According to the ACLU, multiple studies have shown that facial recognition technology produces higher false match rates for people of color, women, younger people and the elderly. As the cases begin to pile up, it is becoming evident that no one, especially those in the underrepresented groups, is safe from a false arrest. As law enforcement continues to blindly trust the work of AI, the number of cases begins to pile up and more people get hurt.
With seven officially documented false arrests directly linked to incorrect facial recognition and fourteen unofficially documented cases the issue has become a large concern. The Blueprint for Free Speech notes that researchers have also raised red flags about the lack of accountability and auditability in AI-assisted law enforcement and criminal prosecution, raising questions about whether automated decision-making could compromise due process rights and erode public trust in the criminal justice system. As these mistakes become more common, it is becoming more and more critical that the criminal justice system change their investigation tactics, and restore the trust of the public when it comes to who the law enforcement are placing in jail.
While it is true that AI can be a useful tool, it is of utmost importance that people remember that it is not perfect. While Artificial Intelligence can be used as a guide to possible suspects, it should not be the deciding factor when people are being arrested. There needs to be a system in place that prevents blind trust in AI and therefore limits the number of innocent people prosecuted for crimes they did not commit.
We live in a world where technology is a vital part of society, but it is crucial that the public does not come to rely solely on Artificial Intelligence. With a world so digital, no one is safe from blame, so law enforcement must change their ways before the innocent people in jail outnumber the criminals.
