As we know, losing a loved one to homicide is a life-altering event. Some of us wonder how justice can be served and how the investigation is progressing. Equallly pertinent is the question, what can be done to improve the nationwide average of achieving a case closure only half of the time (down from about 70% in 1980)?
In recent years, advancements in artificial intelligence (A.I.) are playing an increasingly significant role in homicide investigations. They hold promise for helping to solve even decades-old cases. And it’s happening not just here in the U.S., but globally. Here’s a look at some of the tools:
- Data Analysis: A.I. can analyze vast amounts of data quickly, such as witness statements, surveillance footage, tire tracks, speech patterns and social media activity, to identify patterns and connections that might be missed by human investigators. It can read 3,000 pages of documents in less time that it will take to take a shower. This can help generate leads, identify potential suspects, and reconstruct the crime scene.
- Facial Recognition: A.I.-powered facial recognition software can compare images from surveillance footage to identify potential suspects or witnesses.
- Predictive Policing: While still under development, some A.I. systems aim to predict areas where crime is likely to happen, allowing for increased police presence and potentially preventing future tragedies.
- DNA Analysis: A.I. can assist in analyzing DNA evidence, speeding up the process and increasing the accuracy of matches.
- Enhanced interviewing: There are A.I. equipped eyeglasses that search body language, voice inflextion, periods of silence and defensiveness during the interview of a suspect and provide the data back to the observer in real time.
Here are just a few of the cases that have been solved with the help of A.I.:
The 1979 Murder of Esther Gonzalez – using enhanced DNA analysis
The 1974 – 1986 Golden State Killer Case – using genetic genealogy
The 1981 unsolved murder of Debbie Miller in Ohio – using enhanced DNA analysis
The 2014 graphic videos of execution-style homicides of hostages by a concealed man – using voice recognition analysis
A.I. is not without controversy. Here are some of the bumps:
- Accuracy and Bias: It’s crucial to remember that A.I. systems are only as good as the data they are trained on. Biases within the data can lead to inaccurate or discriminatory results.
- Human Oversight: A.I. should always be used as a tool to assist human investigators, not replace them. Human judgment and decision-making are still essential in complex investigations.
- Transparency and Accountability: There must be transparency and accountability in the development and use of A.I. in law enforcement to ensure fairness and prevent misuse and protection of information.
- Courts are mixed on their acceptance of A.I. generated information (in part because the defense cannot cross examine an A.I. program).
While A.I. can be a valuable tool in homicide investigations, it can never replace the human element of compassion and support for grieving families.
If you have lost a loved one to homicide, again, please reach out to support groups, victim advocacy organizations, and mental health professionals for guidance and support during this challenging time. There are posts on this blog to help you in this regard.
