Over the past few decades, police work has improved drastically. These improvements can be attributed to the digitalization of evidence such as Fingerprints and DNA. With newly emerging technology, such as AI, policing has seen and will see vast improvements in locating, identifying, and capturing criminals.
The first big steps in digitalization can be seen in 1980 with the incorporation of Fingerprints into computer systems. This system was termed the Automatic Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) ( AFIS Overview – a Short History, 2023), revolutionizing the police industry by moving manual fingerprint comparisons to the digital landscape. Fingerprints can now be traced down within seconds in a large database, with this technology having improved over the decades.
Similarly, DNA ‘CODIS’ databases allow for criminal tracing, comparing millions of offenders and forensic profiles automatically (Codis and Ndis Fact Sheet | Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2025). This has allowed speed and efficiency of to increase, solve cold cases, and exonerate innocent people (CODIS-NDIS Statistics | Law Enforcement, 2022). However, how will AI aid in the search for criminals?
A recent application of AI in policing can be seen in the Netherlands, with the Crime Anticipation System (Europol, 2023). Though it was created in 2013, AI has vastly improved the use of the system. The system anticipates crimes based on two factors: Area-based & individual-based policing. This can greatly improve safety as crime hotspots can be surveilled and patrolled more frequently, and individuals deemed as risks can be monitored closely.
On the other hand, we must not forget that issues arise with AI usage. I believe that we must be careful with AI application in certain instances. The classic example of China comes up, where digital surveillance with AI facial recognition is a way to keep crime low and hold people accountable for actions they make (such as jaywalking) (Daniel, 2024). However, at what point does AI integration become a safety and privacy concern for citizens? The use of AI is promising, but I think that rules and regulations must be created and remain rigid before implementation, as legislation is consistently lagging behind technology development. This is especially the case with the new disruption of AI in various industries, where laws are still inexistent and AI can be exploited without supervision/accountability.
So my question goes out to you: Do you think AI can revolutionize policing? And do you believe there are potential limitations/controversies with AI implementation in this industry?
References:
Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) overview – A short history. (2023). Thales Group. https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/markets/digital-identity-and-security/government/biometrics/afis-history
Bijdragers aan Wikimedia-projecten. (2016, December 8). Criminaliteits Anticipatie Systeem. Wikipedia.org; Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criminaliteits_Anticipatie_Systeem#/media/Bestand:CrimeAnticipation.png
Codis and Ndis Fact Sheet | Federal Bureau of Investigation, www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/dna-fingerprint-act-of-2005-expungement-policy/codis-and-ndis-fact-sheet. Accessed 16 Sept. 2025.
CODIS-NDIS Statistics | Law Enforcement. (2022). Law Enforcement. https://le.fbi.gov/science-and-lab/biometrics-and-fingerprints/codis/codis-ndis-statistics?
Daniel, L. (2024, December 5). China’s Surveillance State Is Losing Its Grip. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/larsdaniel/2024/12/05/chinas-surveillance-state-is-losing-its-grip/
Europol. (2023). An Observatory Report from the Europol Innovation Lab AI and policing The benefits and challenges of artificial intelligence for law enforcement. https://www.europol.europa.eu/cms/sites/default/files/documents/AI-and-policing.pdf
