Book Title: Computational Criminology: AI Applications in Forensic Science and Criminal Justice
Editors: Dr. Xavier Louis, Dr. Surbhi Girdhar, Ms. Aswathi Chandran Nair, Mr. Ravi Kumar, and Ms. Nandini Katare
Chapter: 24
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59646/704/24
Author: Jayshree
Abstract
Correctional facilities are unique settings for security, with many inmates in stressed, coerced and even traumatic environments; small staff-to-inmate ratios; and threats of interpersonal violence, self-harm, escape and the introduction of contraband. The concept of using artificial intelligence to support threat assessment in such contexts, such as automated surveillance of behaviour, predictive models of violent outcomes, detection of mental health deterioration, and screening for contraband, has the potential to bring safety benefits but also raises significant concerns about the extension of algorithmic surveillance into areas already controlled by extreme power dynamics. This chapter reviews the AI systems currently used or being developed to conduct correctional threat assessment, explores their technical performance properties, reviews their unique ethical and legal concerns for incarcerated populations, and explores the systemic implications of AI-driven correctional security for the rehabilitative purpose of incarceration.