CEPOL Research & Science Conference 2022 MRU, Vilnius

Matthias Leese

Dr. Matthias Leese

Senior Researcher

Center for Security Studies

ETH Zurich

Switzerland

I am a social scientist investigating the use of new and emerging technologies in law enforcement and border control. I have recently conducted a multi-year project on predictive policing in Germany and Switzerland. From 2022 on, I will start a new five-year research program, funded by the European Research Council, on data quality in European police and border control cooperation.

Relevant publications:

Egbert S and Leese M (2021) Criminal Futures: Predictive Policing and Everyday Police Work. London/New York: Routledge.

Leese M (2020) Predictive Policing: Proceed, but with Care. CSS Policy Perspectives 8(14).

Kaufmann M, Egbert S and Leese M (2019) Predictive Policing and the Politics of Patterns. British Journal of Criminology 59(3): 674-692.

For more information please consult https://matthiasleese.com/


Sessions

06-09
16:00
20min
Digitization: Proceed with care
Matthias Leese

Digitization and algorithmic tools have over the past years found their way into law enforcement contexts, notably including the interconnection of large-scale databases, biometric identification and matching, automated surveillance capacities, short-term situational predictions, and AI-supported analysis for large amounts of data. These tools can help to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of law enforcement operations on the strategic, tactical, and operational level.
They do, however, also come with a number of concerns that must be acknowledged and addressed in order to realize their potential and avoid unintended side-effects and societal frictions. Based on a multi-year research project on predictive policing in Germany and Switzerland, this contribution will provide a systematic perspective on the challenges involved in implementing new and emerging technologies in law enforcement contexts.
Specifically, it will address (1) the nature of data, i.e. how data are socially constructed and present a particular account of the world, inevitably leading to “biased” results; (2) transparency in algorithms and AI, i.e. how “black boxes” undercut human capacities to understand and retrace processes and create problems for public accountability; (3) automation and human control, i.e. the question how human operators can retain meaningful influence over analytical processes; (4) decision-making processes and automation bias, i.e. how humans can be empowered to critically question and override system recommendations; and (5) strategic and societal implications, i.e. the fact that digital tools should not be misused to displace larger programs that address the root causes of crime.
In summary, this contribution will seek to offer a critical practical perspective on how to implement new and emerging technologies in a responsible way, paying attention to human rights and civil liberties implications as much as to potential internal friction and resistance.

• Challenges of Fundamental Rights and Civic Expectations towards law enforcement and law enforcement officials in the Digital Age
Auditorium (Plenary) Room C-I-201