Japan Turns to AI to Prevent Crime

The Japanese Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is considering the introduction of a crime prevention system that uses artificial intelligence and big data to predict when and where crimes might occur. The Kyoto prefectural police have already launched crime prevention measures that harness big data, steps that have resulted in the apprehension of people for crimes including theft and secretly taking photos with a hidden camera, the Star Online reported. The MPD plans to combine this system with AI technology to improve its accuracy. In the private sector, the development of new technologies, such as equipment with AI to prevent shoplifting, is also being promoted. In March 2017, the MPD established a full-time team to examine the practical applications of big data and using AI as part of a crime prevention system. On April 20 this year, experts at a research workshop proposed to the MPD that such a system “could prevent crimes from happening and improve public safety.” In response, the MPD began to earnestly consider introducing the system.