Oswald and Urwin: Written evidence to Commons Science and Technology Committee inquiry into algorithms in decision-making (April 2017)

Executive summary - In the UK policing context, the use of algorithmic decision-making tools could be described as being in a developmental stage with implementation on a force by force basis; - Such tools may be used in a number of different contexts, including decision-making or risk- assessments relating to individuals; - ‘Algorithms in Policing –Take ALGO-CARE™’ is a proposed decision-making framework for the deployment of algorithmic assessment tools in the policing context; - Algo-care aims to translate key public law and human rights principles into practical considerations and guidance that can be addressed by public sector bodies; - Concerns around transparency and accountability cannot be addressed by a one-size-fits-all approach; - The factors identified by Algo-care necessitate the careful drafting of procurement contracts with third party software suppliers to require disclosure of algorithmic workings in a way that would facilitate investigation; - A number of challenges remain to the satisfactory audit and validation of machine learning algorithmic tools.