The first global meeting to assess the prospects and risks related to artificial intelligence (AI) and the use of robotics for law enforcement was organised by the Innovation Centre of the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) and the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) through the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, according to a WAM report.
The latest robots, virtual communication tools and facial recognition software were on display at the “Interpol Global Complex for Innovation” this week, where many experts gathered to consider the practical law enforcement applications of these new technologies.
Held on 11th and 12th July, the two-day event brought together around 50 law enforcement participants from 13 countries and partners from the private sector and academia, to exchange expertise on the latest developments in AI and robotics, and discuss how these developments can be used by law enforcement agencies to support their activities and identify potential challenges.
The discussion topics ranged from the use of AI for conducting virtual autopsies, as well as crime prediction systems to support police in optimising their resources, behaviour detection tools, techniques to autonomously research, analyse and respond to international mutual legal assistance requests, blockchain-based traceability approaches that respect privacy, and autonomous patrol vehicles.
Technological advances in AI and robotics, from facial recognition to “futurecasting technology,” can have major global implications for police work, both positive and negative. In the hands of criminals, these technologies can pose digital and physical threats while offering new ways for police to combat crime, said the WAM report.
“Innovation is not a matter for the police alone. Strong partnerships between all relevant stakeholders are necessary to ensure that the police can quickly adapt to future challenges and formulate inventive solutions,” said Anita Hazenberg, director of the Innovation Centre.
“I believe that we are taking critical first steps in creating a platform for future-proofing law enforcement,” said Irakli Beridze, representative of the UNICRI Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics.
“Such initiatives will help us prepare for future crime and utilise technological advancements, to develop new and effective law enforcement tools,” he added.
