Predictive policing programmes in the United States and internationally are experiencing a significant decline in usage following public backlash and issues surrounding algorithmic bias. The strategy stems from a 2009 paper by psychologist Colleen McCue and Los Angeles police chief Charlie Beck, which adapted retail big-data analytics to gather and analyse real-time crime data. Designed to transform law enforcement from a reactive force into a proactive, data-driven one, the technology aimed to anticipate and prevent crimes before they occurred. However, Los Angeles cut funding for its pioneering predictive policing programme in April, with Police Chief Michel Moore citing high projected costs compared to other central activities.

Background: Predictive Policing and Risk Scoring

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