Creating alternative criminological futures 

• In Event: Digital Criminology: Alternative Futures

Abstract

Criminology has long been stuck in disciplinary siloes, mainly ignoring the crime-technology nexus (with a notable exception of cyber-crimes, computer-enabled crimes, and social media). At the same time, futures vis-à-vis crime, offending, victimisation, and criminal justice interventions have been designed and acted on within the concept of pre-crime (Wilson, McCullough) – with the focus on anticipating, measuring, and pre-empting risk. In the times when harm and exploitation brought by the crime-technology nexus can no longer be disputed (e.g. predictive policing, algorithmic justice), alternative futures must be explored.

For over a decade now, I have been passionate about finding ways of co-creating alternative socio-digital futures in the crime-technology nexus since the futures we are heading towards (or are told we should or must pursue) are harmful to so many. In this paper, I explore the promise of STS and various futuring strategies and methodologies that might help us move the discipline towards a more productive, closer intersection with STEM and humanities, as well as policy makers and industry partners. I examine the contemporary advances and the impact current digital technologies have on crime and offending and then look at the predicted, likely and alternative digital futures in this space.  

I suggest alternative digital futures are possible and flag the role of interdisciplinary research and partnerships based on innovative methodology and research platforms in creating a new world that will be more prosperous for the majority, not just a chosen few. I point out the promise of further research and co-design spaces, such as the Bristol Digital Futures Institute's digital twin – Reality Emulator, in evaluating and disrupting contemporary and predicted/likely future responses to and policies about crime, offending, victimisation and criminal justice. 

Author

• Sanja Milivojevic, University of Bristol, Bristol Digital Futures Institute