Robocops to the Rescue? Addressing Police Misconduct

Abstract

One way to reduce misconduct when police have face-to-face interactions with citizens is to limit the number of such encounters. The use of smart policing technology such as robotics should be included in policing reform recommendations because of its potential to increase objectivity. Yet robotics, if not utilized ethically, could also open new avenues for abuse. This study focuses on identifying the risks and benefits of using a combination of AI and robotics (termed ‘robocops’ for purposes of this paper) from a technological, legal, and ethical perspective. Since robocops make use of AI, proper AI ethics is imperative to these ends, and thus guidance for a model smart policing regulation is advanced in this study. Twenty-five recommendations are made by building from available literature listing language that needs to be included in a comprehensive model regulation of smart policing that includes regulating robocops.