SMART JUSTICE- ROLE OF AI IN
CRIMINAL JUSTICE
BY- RAKSHIT SINGH
CA ID-182
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank everyone who
helped to make this project a success.
I am extremely grateful to renowned cybersecurity specialist Dr.
Rakshit Tandon for giving me the priceless chance to take part in this
internship. The success of this project was largely due to his
knowledgeable direction, insightful observations, and unwavering
support.
Additionally, I would like to thank ACP Priyanshu Diwan of the Cyber
Police in Gurugram for his unwavering support and insightful opinions
during this work.
I am also grateful to my family and friends, whose unwavering
support, tolerance, and encouragement allowed me to stay
committed and focused. I also want to express my gratitude to the
academic resources and digital research tools that made it much
easier to write and organize this project.
To all of my supporters: your contributions have been truly
meaningful, and I remain immensely grateful for them.
ABSTRACT
Smarter and more effective strategies of crime prevention and
detection are desperately needed given rising crime rates in both
urban and digital settings. Emerging as a key solution is artificial
intelligence (AI), which gives law enforcement departments faster
and more accurate analysis of large databases, pattern recognition,
and prediction of criminal behavior. This paper investigates how
artificial intelligence technologies including facial recognition,
predictive policing algorithms, and real-time surveillance analysis—
are being used to handle mounting security issues. The paper
emphasizes how artificial intelligence might help to lower response
times, more wisely allocate resources, and minimize human error.
Simultaneously, it looks at the moral and legal questions raised by
artificial intelligence, especially with relation to algorithmic bias and
data privacy. By evaluating both its potential and limitations, this
research underscores AI's critical role in combating the escalating
complexity and volume of crime in the modern world.
INTRODUCTION
Traditional law enforcement techniques frequently find it difficult
to keep up with the steadily rising crime rates in many areas. By
facilitating the quick analysis of intricate, sizable datasets,
artificial intelligence (AI) opens up new possibilities for crime
detection and prevention. Patterns can be found, high-risk areas
can be predicted, and strategic resource deployment can be
supported by machine learning models. This study examines how
AI technologies can be incorporated into contemporary law
enforcement, emphasizing how automated surveillance,
behavioral analysis, and predictive analytics can improve public
safety. The study also looks at important issues like algorithmic
bias, data privacy, and the moral ramifications of predictive
policing.
1.STRATERGIC GAPS IN CRIME PREVENTION
Growing obstacles to law enforcement hinder prompt investigations
and preventative measures. Among these challenges are:
Data overload: Investigators have to deal with enormous volumes
of data from databases, social media, financial records, and other
sources. Analysis is hampered by the fact that these are frequently
locked in compartmentalized systems.
Limitations on resources: Police departments are overburdened by
high caseloads, staffing shortages, and financial constraints, which
slow down response times and add to the workload of
investigators.
Privacy and bias issues: If AI solutions are not properly controlled,
they run the risk of fostering prejudices, and preserving public
confidence requires adherence to stringent laws like GDPR.
Cybercrime strategies: AI, encrypted messaging, and the dark web
are being used by cybercriminals more and more to expand their
operations and avoid detection.
Cross-border crime: Investigative efforts are made more difficult by
transnational criminal networks' need for coordination across
national borders.
2.HOW AI REVOLUTIONIZES CRIMINAL JUDICIAL SYSTEM
Artificial intelligence (AI) in the criminal justice system is
transforming the way that law enforcement, court proceedings,
and corrections are conducted by bringing creativity and efficiency
to traditionally manual and resource-intensive procedures. AI
provides tools to enhance decision-making, speed up processes,
and boost transparency in a variety of fields, including
rehabilitation and crime prevention. Below is a thorough analysis
of AI's role in the criminal justice system:
2.1 AI IN LAW ENFORCEMENT
Artificial intelligence is radically changing how law enforcement
agencies detect, prevent, and investigate crimes. By leveraging
enormous volumes of data and advanced machine learning
techniques, artificial intelligence (AI) technologies increase the
speed, accuracy, and efficiency of criminal justice operations.
From forensic analysis to surveillance, artificial intelligence (AI)
tools are becoming indispensable in today's fight against crime.
Key Applications:
Predictive policing: Using historical crime data, AI predicts high-
risk areas and times for potential criminal activity. This makes it
possible for law enforcement to deploy officers more efficiently
and stop crimes before they happen.
Facial Recognition & Surveillance Systems: Advanced image
recognition software can identify individuals from photos or
videos, helping to quickly and accurately track down suspects
or locate missing people.
Social media monitoring and digital communication:AI systems help
with early detection by searching through vast volumes of digital
content for indications of suspicious activity, online threats, or
criminal intent.
AI-Powered Forensic Analysis: Machine learning speeds up the
examination of ballistics, DNA, fingerprints, and other forensic
evidence, which lowers investigation turnaround times and workload.
Natural Language Processing (NLP): NLP tools record and examine
conversations, interviews, and confessions, looking for significant
linguistic patterns or discrepancies that could help investigators.
Cybercrime Monitoring: By identifying irregularities in digital systems
and user behavior, AI plays a critical role in identifying hacking
attempts, financial fraud, and data breaches.
For ex-State policies agencies in Delhi, Telangana, and Jharkhand
have employed predictive policing. This capability facilitates a
proactive approach to crime prevention rather than the usual reactive
approach. Delhi Police, in association with ISRO, has developed the
CMAPS system for predictive policing in the state. CMAPS is the
acronym for Crime Mapping, Analytics, and Predictive System (CMAPS).
2.2 AI IN JUDICIIAL PROCESS
To aid in decision-making, increase efficiency, and promote fairness,
artificial intelligence is being incorporated into legal systems more
and more. Artificial intelligence (AI) tools help lawyers manage
caseloads and provide justice more reliably by helping with risk
assessments and case prioritization.
Important Uses:
Recidivism Risk Assessments: AI evaluates past and present behavior to
determine a defendant's risk of reoffending, assisting judges in making well-
informed decisions regarding bail, parole, or sentencing.
Sentencing Recommendations: By examining case law, statutory guidelines,
and legal precedents, AI systems can suggest suitable sentences, fostering
greater uniformity in court decisions.
Automation of Case Management: Intelligent systems help courts
prioritize cases according to deadlines, complexity, or urgency, which
lowers backlogs and boosts administrative effectiveness.
For ex-SUVAS (Supreme Court Vidhik Anuvaad Software) is an AI-
based legal translation tool created by the Supreme Court of India. It
translates judicial judgments and orders from English into several
Indian languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Gujarati, and more. SUVAS
improves accessibility and inclusivity. It helps bridge the language
gap in the legal system, allowing citizens to understand court
decisions in their native language and promoting transparency in
judicial processes.
2.3 AI IN CORRECTION AND REHABILATION
AI plays a vital role in corrections. It helps ensure safety in facilities
and supports inmate rehabilitation.
Inmate Monitoring: AI systems keep track of behavior in correctional
facilities. They detect potential risks, such as violent outbursts or
escape attempts.
Rehabilitation Programs: AI suggests personalized rehabilitation
plans. These include education, therapy, and skill-building activities
tailored to individual inmates.
Parole Decisions: AI assesses inmates' risk profiles. It assists parole
boards in deciding who is eligible for early release.
3.WHAT ELSE CAN WE DO
Install Acoustic Gunshot Detection Systems
India can use real-time gunfire detection tools like ShotSpotter in urban
hotspots. These systems use artificial intelligence (AI) and acoustic
sensors to triangulate gunfire locations, improving public safety and
accelerating police response times.
Integration of AI in Correctional Institutions
AI-powered surveillance and behavior analysis system like COMPAS in
USA can be used to monitor inmates, spot unusual activity, and assess
their rehabilitation progress. These tools can also support data-driven
decisions about reformation and parole programs.
Develop AI-Powered Legal Assistants for Citizens
Multilingual virtual assistants and chatbots driven by AI can assist
users with filing complaints, tracking case developments, and
navigating the legal system, all of which can improve access to justice,
especially in rural and linguistically diverse areas.
Real-Time Threat Prediction
When AI systems are integrated with public surveillance systems and
emergency communication networks, real-time risk assessment is
made possible (e.g., crowd violence, unattended objects, escape
attempts). Predictive models can identify potential threats and
automate alerts for timely action.
4.ETHICAL CHALLENGES
As artificial intelligence is increasingly integrated into the legal system, it
presents significant ethical concerns in addition to the possibility of
greater consistency and efficiency. The transparency, accountability, and
fairness required by the legal domain may be jeopardized by AI systems'
opaque and data-driven nature. These ethical concerns—from the
potential for algorithmic bias to the erosion of judicial discretion—must
be carefully examined to ensure that the quest for technological
advancement does not compromise the principles of justice and human
rights.
1. Algorithm bias
AI systems trained on historical data may reproduce or magnify
prevailing societal biases. For example, if past data shows that
sentencing varies by race or gender, the AI may reproduce this pattern,
which would result in unfair outcomes for marginalized communities and
reinforce systemic discrimination in court decisions.
2. Inadequate Transparency (Black Box Problem)
Many AI models, especially deep learning systems, operate as "black
boxes," making it difficult to understand how conclusions are reached.
This lack of interpretability is problematic in legal contexts where
decisions must be morally and legally defensible and reasoning must be
well-supported.
3. Accountability and Responsibility
When an AI system makes a bad choice or suggests a biased conclusion,
it becomes challenging to assign blame. The responsibility may be
unclear between software developers, judicial users, or institutions
4. Erosion of Judicial Discretion
Judges' ability to consider specific contextual, emotional, or human factors
may be hampered by the undue influence of AI tools that make predictions
or recommendations. This rigid standardization of justice could
compromise the flexibility and empathy that human discretion often
brings to judicial decision-making.
5. Data Privacy Concerns
AI systems require large datasets that contain sensitive personal
information. Improper data handling can lead to privacy violations or
misuse of information. Legal systems must find a balance between using
data for justice and safeguarding individual rights under privacy and data
protection laws.
6. Dangers of a Fair Trial and Due Process
If AI tools are used in a way that is opaque or does not adequately
disclose them to defendants, people may not fully understand or contest
the methods used to generate the evidence or risk assessments. Due
process principles are compromised, thereby undermining the right to a
fair and informed trial.
7. Unequal Access to AI Tools
Access to state-of-the-art AI technology varies by court system and
geographic location. Wealthier jurisdictions may see improvements in
consistency and efficiency while underfunded areas fall behind. Inequities
in the administration of justice could result from this digital divide, which
also maintains disparities in legal representation and decision-making.
5.CASE STUDY
On January 10, 2024, Delhi Police discovered a man's body under the
Geeta Colony flyover. The victim had been strangled and lacked
identification. There were no eyewitnesses and a decomposed,
unidentifiable face, and the police were faced with a classic "blind
murder"—a case with no clear leads.
HOW AI HELPED
Delhi Police used AI-based facial reconstruction technology to get over
the drawbacks of conventional inquiry.
To improve recognition for public distribution, forensic investigators
produced a digitally opened photograph of the victim's face within 72
hours.
The image was
Shared with over 1,200 police officers across Delhi
Displayed on more than 400 posters throughout the capital
Uploaded to the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems
(CCTNS), connecting all police stations digitally
Within 72 hours the strategy bore fruit
TECHNOLOGY USED
AI-Based Facial Reconstruction Tool Designed to replicate a lifelike
visage from a partly decomposing corpse
Criminal and Crime Tracking Network and Systems, or CCTNS
allowed the picture to be distributed across the country in order to
correspond with missing persons databases.
Verification by Crowd Using Posters
Combining tangible public outreach with digital AI techniques
increased coverage and recognition.
OUTCOME
The AI-generated image was recognized by the victim’s brother,
identifying him as Hitendra Singh, a 35-year-old from Etah, Uttar
Pradesh
During the investigation, it was found that Hitendra had a fight with two
persons over a woman around two months ago. The accused persons met
him on January 9 and strangled him to death. The accused were in an
inebriated condition at the time of the incident, police said.
Four people, including a woman and a cab driver, have been arrested in
connection with the case, police said.
SIGNIFICANCE
One of the more realistic instances of AI being used in actual policing in
India is this case. It demonstrates how AI can help:
Identification of the victim
Tracing suspects
quicker resolution of complicated cases
Additionally, it demonstrates a hybrid approach to AI and community-
based research that makes use of both digital resources and public
participation.
CONCLUSION
Artificial intelligence is one of the most powerful forces transforming
the criminal justice system. Its ability to analyze large datasets,
identify trends, and assist in decision-making has significantly
improved the efficacy of crime detection, investigation, and judicial
processes.
AI tools like digital forensics, facial recognition, predictive policing,
and legal translation software like SUVAS have improved law
enforcement outcomes in measurable ways. Real-world examples,
like the AI-based facial reconstruction used to solve the Delhi blind
murder case, demonstrate the value of such technologies in India.
However, as AI advances, its use must be handled carefully and
responsibly. To address ethical concerns like algorithmic bias, data
privacy, and other issues, regulation, oversight, and inclusive policies
are required.
Therefore, the adoption of AI must be paired with ethical guidelines,
human oversight, and legal accountability. If implemented
responsibly, AI can serve as a powerful ally in ensuring justice,
reducing crime, and enhancing public trust in the criminal justice
system.
6.REFERENCES
AI and Crime: How Artificial Intelligence is Advancing Crime
Prevention https://www.cognyte.com/blog/ai-and-crime/
AI IN INDIAN CRIMINAL SYSTEM-
https://lawfullegal.in/artificial-intelligence-ai-in-indian-criminal-justice-
system/
Supreme Court Vidhik Anuvhad System
https://www.drishtijudiciary.com/current-affairs/supreme-court-vidhik-
anuvaad-software-suvas
HOW AI HELPED DELHI POLICE TO SOLVE A BLIND MURDER
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/new-updates/how-ai-helped-
delhi-police-to-solve-a-blind-murder-case/articleshow/107122601.cms?
from=mdr
SHOTSPOTTER
https://www.soundthinking.com/law-enforcement/leading-gunshot-
detection-system/
Artificial Intelligence in the Indian Criminal Justice System:
Advancements, Challenges, and Ethical Implications
https://sdgsreview.org/LifestyleJournal/article/view/4877
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Indian Judiciary
https://www.drishtijudiciary.com/editorial/artificial-intelligence-ai-in-indian-
judiciary
Artificial Intelligence in Crime Detection: How It’s Useful
https://www.amu.apus.edu/area-of-study/information-
technology/resources/artificial-intelligence-in-crime-detection/
AI and the Rule of Law: Capacity Building for Judicial Systems
https://www.unesco.org/en/artificial-intelligence/rule-law/mooc-judges
An Introduction to Predictive Policing
https://cyberblogindia.in/an-introduction-to-predictive-policing/