Predictive Policing in India: An Appraisal

Predictive policing has emerged as a revolutionary tool for law enforcement agencies worldwide to forecast and prevent crime using data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI). In India, with its vast population and complex socio-economic landscape, the adoption of such technologies offers potential benefits in terms of crime prevention, resource optimization, and policing efficiency. However, implementing predictive policing in India also raises several complex issues regarding technological limitations and ethical challenges. This appraisal will evaluate the Indian cities concerning the implementation of predictive policing, highlighting both the successes in predictive accuracy and crime reduction, as well as challenges in data collection, algorithmic transparency, and public accountability. This paper aims to contribute to the global discourse on predictive policing by offering a comprehensive evaluation of its practice in India, balancing technological promises with social realities. From a legal perspective, predictive policing raises important questions about data privacy and civil liberties. The legal and ethical framework governing predictive policing in India is still nascent. While the country is progressing towards a comprehensive data protection law, concerns remain over how people's data is collected, stored, and utilized by law enforcement agencies. The lack of transparency in AI decision-making processes also poses a threat to accountability, transparency, and public trust. The findings underscore the need for a cautious, ethically grounded approach to predictive policing, ensuring that its deployment aligns with India’s democratic values and safeguards against undue harm.