NAU turns to AI to fight crime
App to address outdated records
The JCPF is a proactive initiative that aims to consolidate various safety and security platforms under a unified umbrella.
An application is being developed by the Joint Crime Prevention Forum (JCPF) to address insufficient and outdated record-keeping of alleged crimes. According to the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU), the forum is a proactive initiative that aims to consolidate various safety and security platforms under a unified umbrella.
Its primary objective is to foster effective communication among these forums.
To date, more than 40 platforms have registered with it.
“An issue has surfaced concerning the insufficient and outdated record-keeping of alleged crimes. This lapse in detail has led to the repetitive granting of bail to recurring offenders, as the incomplete data at hand fails to present a comprehensive overview,” the NAU said.
Holistic approach
In response, the union has taken the lead in developing an application that utilises artificial intelligence (AI) for facial recognition and comprehensive record-keeping.
This application empowers users to track the entire chain of proceedings, starting from the initial arrest of the alleged perpetrator, the union noted.
“Users can monitor the individuals involved in handling the matter and overseeing legal proceedings. This holistic approach includes tracking the roles of investigators, prosecutors, magistrates and others.”
Currently, complaints about inappropriate handling of matters are made to the justice ministry without background information on how the individual in question has dealt with previous cases.
According to the union, the aim is to make this information accessible to the public.
Comprehensive resource
The JCPF has formalised its collaboration with the police through a memorandum of understanding, ensuring that information from the app will be available to the police upon request.
“Developing such an app is a time-consuming process, and while complexity is essential for inclusivity, user-friendliness is equally important. Initially administered by the NAU, the goal is for the JCPF to evolve into a self-sustaining entity over time.”
The app is envisioned as a comprehensive source of crime information across Namibia, serving as a proactive tool in preventing future criminal activities.