The UK government is developing a system that can predict crime using artificial intelligence. As part of a new project announced by the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology, a real-time crime map covering England and Wales is planned by 2030. The map will predict where knife attacks and anti-social behavior are likely to occur, allowing police interventions to be tailored accordingly.

England Will Catch Criminals with Artificial Intelligence

The project is being implemented as part of the government’s £500 million R&D accelerator program. An initial investment of £4 million is planned for this program. The first prototypes are expected to be ready by April 2026.

The system’s development will combine existing data held by institutions such as the police, municipalities, and social services. Behavioral patterns and criminal records of known criminals are also among the data sets to be analyzed.

The new technology is being implemented as part of the government’s Safer Streets Mission. This mission aims to halve knife crime and violence against women within the next decade. The project has also received support from organizations such as Neighborhood Watch and The Ben Kinsella Trust, who say the system can be an effective tool in preventing crime.

However, some concerns have been raised about this work. Criticism has been leveled that the project carries the risk of unfair profiling of certain communities. The government has not yet announced any measures to prevent profiling or data misuse.

Criticism points to the potential for social injustice, particularly if such advanced technologies are used without transparency and oversight mechanisms.