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Back to To the Point

To the Point

Can Big Data Prevent Crime?

Tech companies claim that analyzing big data can predict crime and help to prevent it. That sounds like science fiction, but police agencies around the country are buying into it — with federal assistance. Critics say it's science fiction after all — with the risk of violating civil rights and eroding public confidence. Is it making law enforcement more efficient and more effective or reinforcing the biases that are leading to the erosion of public trust?

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By Warren Olney • Dec 11, 2015 • 52m Listen

Tech companies claim that analyzing big data can predict crime and help to prevent it. That sounds like science fiction, but police agencies around the country are buying into it — with federal assistance. Critics say it's science fiction after all — with the risk of violating civil rights and eroding public confidence. Is it making law enforcement more efficient and more effective or reinforcing the biases that are leading to the erosion of public trust?

Later on the program, will the GOP presidential nomination be decided in "smoke-filled rooms?"

Photo: Cory Doctorow

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    Warren Olney

    former KCRW broadcaster

  • KCRW placeholder

    Sarah Sweeney

    Vice President of Talk Programming, KCRW

  • KCRW placeholder

    Paul von Zielbauer

    Producer, 'To the Point'

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    Gideon Brower

    Independent Producer

    NewsNationalPolitics
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