Predictive policing and the politics of patterns

Patterns are the epistemological core of predictive policing. With the move towards digital prediction tools, the authority of the pattern is rearticulated and reinforced in police work. Based on empirical research about predictive policing software and practices, this article puts the authority of...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Kaufmann, Mareile (Author)
Contributors: Egbert, Simon ; Leese, Matthias
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
Published: 2019
In: The British journal of criminology
Year: 2019, Volume: 59, Issue: 3, Pages: 674-692
Online Access: Presumably Free Access
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Keywords:
Algorithmen
Algorithms
Data
Datenauswertung
Patterns
Politics
Predictive policing
Techniken
Vorausschauende Polizeiarbeit
Description
Summary:Patterns are the epistemological core of predictive policing. With the move towards digital prediction tools, the authority of the pattern is rearticulated and reinforced in police work. Based on empirical research about predictive policing software and practices, this article puts the authority of patterns into perspective. Introducing four ideal-typical styles of pattern identification, we illustrate that patterns are not based on a singular logic, but on varying rationalities that give form to and formalize different understandings about crime. Yet, patterns render such different modes of reasoning about crime, and the way in which they feed back into policing cultures, opaque. Ultimately, this invites a stronger reflection about the political nature of patterns.
ISSN:1464-3529
DOI:10.1093/bjc/azy060