We present a survey of tools used in the criminal justice system in the UK in three categories: data infrastructure, data analysis, and risk prediction. Many tools are currently in deployment, offering potential benefits, including improved efficiency and consistency. However, there are also important concerns. Transparent information about these tools, their purpose, how they are used, and by whom is difficult to obtain. Even when information is available, it is often insufficient to enable a satisfactory evaluation. More work is needed to establish governance mechanisms to ensure that tools are deployed in a transparent, safe and ethical way. We call for more engagement with stakeholders and greater documentation of the intended goal of a tool, how it will achieve this goal compared to other options, and how it will be monitored in deployment. We highlight additional points to consider when evaluating the trustworthiness of deployed tools and make concrete proposals for policy.
翻译:我们从三类角度对联合王国刑事司法系统使用的工具进行了调查:数据基础设施、数据分析和风险预测。许多工具目前正在部署中,具有潜在效益,包括提高效率和一致性。然而,也存在重要问题。关于这些工具的透明信息、其目的、如何使用、以及由谁难以获得。即使有信息,也往往不足以进行令人满意的评价。需要开展更多的工作,建立治理机制,确保以透明、安全和合乎道德的方式部署工具。我们呼吁与利益攸关方进行更多的接触,并更多地记录工具的预期目标,与其他选项相比,如何实现这一目标,以及如何在部署中监测这一目标。我们强调在评估所部署工具的可靠性和提出具体的政策建议时应考虑的其他要点。