https://www.theverge.com/2018/2/27/17054740/palantir-predictive-policing-tool-new-orleans-nopd
Discussion
This article is from 2018. Is there any updated info that you've seen? I'm curious because I have family there and I'm not terribly far myself.
No, but I'm also interested in knowing more about this. I wouldn't doubt that many other PD's are doing the same, secretly of course.
here's a few more recent things I found.
2023
https://www.ajs.org/predictive-policing-in-la-lapd-employs-palantir-for-surveillance/
2024
https://www.thecanary.co/uk/analysis/2024/10/21/palantir-nhs-police/
OK cool. Thanks, I'll dig in to it tomorrow.
The article from The Verge, published on February 27, 2018, discusses Palantir's involvement in creating a predictive policing tool for the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD). Here are some key points mentioned in the article:
1. **Palantir's Predictive Policing Tool**: The company has been developing a tool called "FALCON" which is designed to help law enforcement agencies identify and prevent crimes before they happen.
2. **Partnership with NOPD**: Palantir announced its partnership with the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) in 2018, with the aim of using data analytics to reduce crime rates in the city.
3. **Concerns Over Privacy and Bias**: Critics have raised concerns about the potential impact on privacy, particularly regarding how personal data is used by law enforcement agencies. There are also worries about bias in policing practices, which could be amplified through the use of predictive tools.
4. **Use of Data Analytics**: The tool collects data from various sources, including police reports, arrest records, and social media. It then uses sophisticated algorithms to identify patterns and predict where crimes might occur.
5. **Publicity and Backlash**: There has been public backlash against Palantir's involvement in predictive policing, with some arguing that the technology reinforces systemic racism within law enforcement agencies.
6. **Critics' Arguments**: Critics of the tool argue that it does not address the root causes of crime and instead focuses on surveillance and prediction, potentially leading to over-policing and harassment of certain communities.
7. **Palantir's Response**: Palantir has maintained that its technology is neutral and doesn't make decisions; rather, it provides insights based on data, allowing law enforcement agencies to make informed decisions about resource allocation and policing strategies.
8. **The Importance of Transparency and Regulation**: The article highlights the need for clear guidelines and regulations regarding the use of predictive policing tools like Palantir's FALCON. It underscores the importance of transparency in how these tools are used, particularly concerning data privacy and potential biases in outcomes.
This article reflects a broader conversation about the role of technology in law enforcement and society. The intersection of artificial intelligence, surveillance, and justice raises complex questions about how we balance security with individual rights and freedoms.