A Systematic Review of Using Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing in Smart Policing

Smart policing refers to the use of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence to enhance policing activities in terms of crime prevention or crime reduction. Artificial intelligence tools, including machine learning and natural language processing, have widespread applications across various fields, such as healthcare, business, and law enforcement. By means of these technologies, smart policing enables organizations to efficiently process and analyze large volumes of data. Some examples of smart policing applications are fingerprint detection, DNA matching, CCTV surveillance, and crime prediction. While artificial intelligence offers the potential to reduce human errors and biases, it is still essential to acknowledge that the algorithms reflect the data on which they are trained, which are inherently collected by human inputs. Considering the critical role of the police in ensuring public safety, the adoption of these algorithms demands careful and thoughtful implementation. This paper presents a systematic literature review focused on exploring the machine learning techniques employed by law enforcement agencies. It aims to shed light on the benefits and limitations of utilizing these techniques in smart policing and provide insights into the effectiveness and challenges associated with the integration of machine learning in law enforcement practices.