Crime mapping. Risks and benefits of the use of artificial intelligence in the fight against and prevention of crime. The XLAW case

Abstract

Crime mapping is a tool for examining urban areas at risk of crime. The essay examines the use of AI, delving into the XLAW predictive system, which uses a new theory: “hunting zones”. The “place”, its alteration and knowledge by the offender are decisive in the rational choice to commit the crime. Through interviews with inmates and members of law enforcement, the creation of these criminogenic areas will be explored, with dialogues with the founder of XLAW, and how the system uncovers criminal schemes. Some results of this program, tested in Italy, show a clear decrease in crimes. Of course, we will try to reflect on ethical and moral issues related to these AI programs.