Request
I am writing to request information regarding West Midlands Police’s use of algorithms, specifically algorithmic risk-assessment tools to make predictions relating to individuals. For example, a number of police forces in the UK are in the process of developing algorithmic tools to aid decision-making by custody officers when assessing the risk of future offending.
1) Is your police force currently using any algorithmic risk-assessment tools to make predictions relating to individuals?
2) If yes, what types of prediction is the tool being used to make? (e.g. risk of re-offending, risk of committing violence etc.) .
3) Is your police force currently developing any algorithmic risk-assessment tools to make predictions relating to individuals?
4) If yes, what types of prediction is the tool being used to make? (e.g. risk of re-offending, risk of committing violence etc.) .
Response
Please find attached our response.
As recommended as good practice by the Information Commissioner’s Office a version of this response may be published on the West Midlands Police website.