Training robocops or philosopher kings? Neither. Updating the reflective practitioner in the age of AI

• In Event: Rethinking Criminology Education in the Age of AI

Abstract

The article discusses the impact that artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are having on the evolving notion of police professionalism. The central issue is how to equip police professionals with the necessary concepts and expertise to navigate the era of AI-mediated policing. We argue that traditional notions of professionalism, based on craft standards, obedience, and loyalty, are insufficient in today's complex socio-political and technological landscape. While AI technology offers the police enhanced capabilities, it brings with it an active mediation of police discretion, requiring a re-evaluation of professional norms and standard conceptions of technology. The traditional instrumentalist view of technology, as merely a tool, is increasingly untenable. We argue that this necessitate an updating of the model of the "reflective practitioner". Police professionals must learn to critically reflect on AI's agency and influence on their discretionary powers and broad public consequences of technology use. Drawing on insights from Science and Technology Studies and the Philosophy of Technology we propose a more refined and arguably more adequate understanding of technology and the relations between society and technology. We illustrate these arguments and suggestions with examples of courses and exercises done at the Dutch Police Academy. These involve teaching officers notions of philosophy of technology, training them to critically evaluate the mediating role of AI technologies, and to reflect on the implications of AI-driven decisions. We argue that the rapid rise of AI necessitates this urgent police reform to avoid deprofessionalisation and loss of control.

Authors

• Vlad Niculescu-Dinca, Leiden University

• Jens Erik Paulsen, The Norwegian Police University College