Government considers AI drug-sniffer devices to keep UK streets safe
UK Prisons and Probations Minister James Timpson is considering proposals from seven tech companies for delivering safer prisons and streets, including a new ‘smell-detector’ device which is powered by AI.
The government styled the process of evaluating these proposals as akin to the popular show ‘Dragon’s Den’ and said that over 90 submissions had been whittled down to seven proposals which Timpson is now considering.
The finalists pitched their ideas to Timpson on Wednesday 2 July, and successful businesses will have their proposals considered for pilot rollouts that will help staff tackle violence in prison and monitor offenders who are released on probation.
Ideas pitched included an AI home monitoring system, which would see cameras installed in offenders’ homes in a bid to toughen up punishment outside of prison. This footage would be analysed by an AI system that would read the offender’s behaviour and ensure they comply with licence regulations.
One company also pitched a ‘smell detector’ that used a combination of AI and synthetic brain cells to mimic the capabilities of a human nose. This solution aims to improve surveillance and detect the use of drugs such as fentanyl both inside and outside of prisons.
Other proposals included software to standardise how prison staff input information on offenders, as well as AI-powered transcription tools to reduce the administrative burden faced by prisons.
The government pointed to the success of curfew tags as an example of how technology can reduce reoffending, with incidences of reoffending reduced by 20% where these are deployed.
“We inherited a justice system in crisis and in need of reform. Prisons and probation are working in analogue while tech drives forward a new digital age,” Timpson said.
“That’s why we have invited companies to present bold new ideas to help us deliver tough punishment and enhanced surveillance. Embracing new technologies will help us to protect victims, reduce reoffending and cut crime as part of our Plan for Change.”
