A local university is calling on artificial intelligence to help learn more about the crime fight in New Orleans.
Tulane researchers are partnering with legal advocacy group Court Watch NOLA to construct a data analysis platform that uses AI to identify trends that root out instances of inequality.
The project, funded by a $1.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation, will span 3 years.
The platform will result in a database of court records, public records, and volunteer observations. From there, AI is meant to sift through data to spot problems with the system.
"The findings could include changes in bond amounts, sentencing patterns or the impact of new policies,” said project lead Aron Culotta, a computer science professor at Tulane’s School of Science and Engineering. "Our aim is to enhance transparency and accountability in the criminal courts but to do it with careful consideration. We plan to engage in meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders and implement changes thoughtfully. We’re acutely aware that, at every stage of this process, we're dealing with real people's lives and experiences. We’re committed to balancing the need for systemic improvement with sensitivity to the human element involved in every aspect of the criminal justice system."
Tulane and Court Watch NOLA have been searching and reporting on more than 100,000 cases spanning 15 years from New Orleans Magistrate and Criminal courts.
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