The Algorithmic Investigator: Opportunities and Risks of Artificial Intelligence in Criminal Justice
Keywords:
Artificial Intelligence, Criminal Justice, Algorithmic Investigator, Digital Forensics, Responsible AIAbstract
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into criminal justice is revolutionizing how crimes are investigated, analyzed, and prosecuted, with the aim of increasing efficiency and precision in decision-making. In this review, the concept of the algorithmic investigator is explored, and the development of AI is discussed in relation to its use in the criminal justice process, such as predictive policing, digital evidence analysis, facial recognition, forensic science, and judicial risk assessment. It also talks about the potential of AI, including quicker investigations, better crime detection, effective resource management, better digital forensics, and judicial administration support. The review also examines critical ethical, legal and societal issues such as algorithmic bias, privacy issues, lack of transparency, reliability of AI-generated evidence and threats of 'deep fakes'. Finally, it delves into governance frameworks, regulatory approaches, and the trajectory of responsible AI implementation, highlighting the need for human oversight, explainable AI, data protection, and ethical considerations in India's criminal justice system.
References
[1] P. Sarkki, F. Tomas, and M. Antheunis, “Artificial Intelligence in the Criminal Justice System: Systematic Literature Review and a Research Agenda,” AI Crim. JUSTICE Syst., 2025, doi: 10.13140/RG.2.2.25385.86883.
[2] M. Soori, B. Arezoo, and R. Dastres, “Artificial intelligence, machine learning and deep learning in advanced robotics, a review,” Cogn. Robot., vol. 3, pp. 54–70, 2023, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cogr.2023.04.001.
[3] P. Terezia, “The Balance Between Innovation And Human Rights: Problems Of Applying Artificial Intelligence,” Visegr. J. Hum. Rights, pp. 100–106, 2025, doi: https://doi.org/10.61345/1339-7915.2025.3.16.
[4] K. Sharma and J. P. Mistri, “Role of artificial intelligence in criminal justice administration,” Int. J. Law, vol. 12, no. 2, 2026.
[5] V. A. Laptev and D. R. Feyzrakhmanova, “Application of Artificial Intelligence in Justice: Current Trends and Future Prospects,” Human-Centric Intell. Syst., vol. 4, pp. 382–393, 2024, doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s44230-024-00074-2.
[6] Nayak and D. S. S. Dash, “Facial Recognition And Biometric Surveillances In Crime Prevention Using AI Based Predictive Modelling And Multi Model Data Fusion Techniques,” J. Int. Commer. Law Technol., vol. 6, no. 1, 2025.
[7] Jaiswal and D. P. C. Mishra, “Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Criminal Justice System: Potential Benefits and Risks,” ShodhKosh J. Vis. Perform. Arts, vol. 4, no. 2, pp. 3693–3698, 2023, doi: 10.29121/shodhkosh.v4.i2.2023.4143.
[8] L. P, Y. N, P. N, and Y. S, AI-Driven Digital Forensic Investigation for Cybercrime Detection. 2026. doi: 10.1109/CCIC68129.2026.11486125.
[9] S. Kienzle, G. Velarde, and B. Gannon, “AI and prediction of criminal justice risk: revisiting the COMPAS dataset, experiments, and the problem of algorithmic bias and fairness,” AI Ethics, 2026, doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s43681-026-01116-0.
[10] P. Singh, “Mass surveillance in the age of AI-the Indian dilemma of security versus privacy,” Int. J. Civ. Law Leg. Res. 2025;, vol. 5, no. 2, pp. 74–78, 2025, doi: https://www.doi.org/10.22271/civillaw.2025.v5.i2a.146.
[11] M. P. Sandoval, M. D. A. Vau, J. Solaas, and L. Rodrigues, “Threat of deepfakes to the criminal justice system: a systematic review,” Crime Sci., vol. 13, no. 41, pp. 1–16, 2024, doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40163-024-00239-1.
[12] Ibrahim, F. M. Gourari, G. M. Abdelaziz, and A. Hashish, “Artificial Intelligence In Criminal Justice Governance: Opportunities And Legal Challenges (A Comparative Study),” Corp. Law Gov. Rev., vol. 8, no. 2, pp. 77–88, 2026, doi: https://doi.org/10.22495/clgrv8i2p7.
[13] Meenakshi, “Legal Implications of AI in the Criminal Justice System in India,” J. Humanit. Educ. Dev., vol. 5, no. 6, pp. 133–138, 2023, doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.22161/jhed.5.6.17.
[14] Singh and D. S. Thakur, “Data Protection and AI under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023: An Indian Perspectives,” Int. J. Creat. Res. Thoughts, vol. 13, no. 10, pp. 115–130, 2025.
