Criminals freed from jail could have restrictions decided with help of AI under new government rules

CRIMINALS freed from jail could have decisions over their restrictions supported by AI under new government guidance. Probation officers will be allowed to use artificial intelligence to support “licence condition-related decision-making” when managing offenders in the community. Ex-criminals freed from jail could have decisions over their restrictions supported by AI under new guidance Credit: Getty Top Tory Nick Timothy warned: ‘Labour have been warned their early release scheme will overwhelm the probation service’ Credit: PA The rules state AI must “support, not replace, professional judgement” and any decisions must remain “explainable and defensible”. The Ministry of Justice says the technology could be used for routine work such as summarising case information, transcription and note-taking, while frontline staff retain the final say. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! But it comes as the probation service braces for thousands of lags being freed early as part of the Government’s bid to ease pressure on overcrowded jails. Shadow Justice Secretary Nick Timothy warned:“Labour have been warned their early release scheme will overwhelm the probation service. “We know Labour have abdicated responsibility for this chaos, but they must ensure AI will have no role in making decisions that affect the lives of victims. “Using technology to speed up administration is fine, but the decisions on how dangerous offenders are managed in the community cannot just be automated.” Licence conditions are used to protect the public and prevent reoffending, with extra restrictions imposed depending on the risks posed by an offender. They can include curfews, exclusion zones, restriction zones and electronic monitoring. Most read in The Sun Probation officers are already required to use a separate computer tool called EPF2 during pre-release planning, which suggests additional licence conditions for them to consider. But the Ministry of Justice stressed that decisions over licence conditions will remain with trained probation staff. A spokesman said: “Decisions on licence conditions will always be made by frontline staff. “We’re looking at how we can use new tech to support Probation Officers on routine tasks – such as summarising information or note taking – so staff can spend more of their time monitoring offenders and keeping communities safe.” Comment now