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Journal article

Predictive Policing and the Politics of Patterns

  • Kaufmann, Mareile Faculty of Law, Department of Criminology and Sociology of Law, Oslo University, Oslo, Norway
  • Egbert, Simon Department of Social Sciences, Institute for Criminological Research, Universität Hamburg, Allende-Platz 1, Hamburg, Germany
  • Leese, Matthias ETH Zurich, Center for Security Studies, Haldeneggsteig 4, Zurich, Switzerland
  • 2018-12-7
Published in:
  • The British Journal of Criminology. - Oxford University Press (OUP). - 2018, vol. 59, no. 3, p. 674-692
Pathology and Forensic Medicine
Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous)
Law
Social Psychology
English AbstractPatterns are the epistemological core of predictive policing. With the move towards digital prediction tools, the authority of the pattern is rearticulated and reinforced in police work. Based on empirical research about predictive policing software and practices, this article puts the authority of patterns into perspective. Introducing four ideal-typical styles of pattern identification, we illustrate that patterns are not based on a singular logic, but on varying rationalities that give form to and formalize different understandings about crime. Yet, patterns render such different modes of reasoning about crime, and the way in which they feed back into policing cultures, opaque. Ultimately, this invites a stronger reflection about the political nature of patterns.
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  • English
Open access status
hybrid
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https://sonar.ch/global/documents/213318
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