Improve decision making through non-generative AI
Read the full detail of action 2.6 on GOV.UK. (opens in a new tab)
Year 1 progress
In Year 1, a wide range of tools were deployed across probation, prisons and courts, particularly in risk assessment. These tools combine statistical modelling, data science and non-generative AI to provide frontline decision support at scale.
Year 2 priorities
In Year 2, we will build on this strong base through the expanded role of the Data Science and AI Hub, further developing advanced analytical tools with a stronger focus on explainability, ethics and transparency. This will deepen confidence in existing models, support their continued safe use in operational settings and lay the groundwork for more advanced AI-enabled decision support over time.
Case studies (3)
Online Probation Check-insScale
Online probation check-ins is a new service that enables people on probation to check in with their probation officer using a digital tool, providing an update on their wellbeing and support needs. The service supports existing supervision arrangements, with information from check-ins used to inform face-to-face meetings.
For identity verification, the service matches a video taken by the person on probation against a photo held on file. The platform makes a recommendation on image match, which is reviewed and verified by a probation practitioner.
Violence in Prisons EstimatorATRS — record published on the Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard (opens in a new tab)Scale
This AI-powered algorithmic tool developed by Justice Digital, Data & Science (JDDS) helps prison staff to manage violence in prisons.
The tool produces an estimate of the number of violent incidents that an offender in custody is at risk of being involved in over the next year, based on their age and previous behaviour in custody. These factors were selected due to substantial evidence linking them to incidents of violence in custody.
Prison staff use the estimate, in conjunction with other data sources, to quickly identify whether an offender is likely to be involved in violence whilst in custody and how frequently. This enables HMPPS staff to prioritise their resources effectively and improve the safety within prisons. The tool also saves staff having to trawl through lots of data about offenders to understand the relative risk and greatest violence offenders.
Prison staff have said that the tool's estimates help them to be proactive and target the right groups of prisoners for support and wellbeing sessions, and that they see it as an important part of their toolkit for managing and reducing violence in custody.
All prisons have had access to this tool since 2019; its AI-enabled components have been strengthened in recent years.
Acquisitive Crime MappingScale
Justice Digital, Data & Science (JDDS) have developed an Acquisitive Crime Mapping Tool which uses location data and analytical tools to support the investigation of acquisitive crime and strengthen collaboration with policing partners.
The Acquisitive Crime (AC) pilot operated across 19 police force areas, where individuals on probation for acquisitive offences were required to wear GPS tags. Location data from tagged individuals is automatically matched against police-recorded crime locations. These matches are reviewed by the AC Hub, which prepares evidence packs - such as visual maps overlaying movement data with crime scenes - to support further investigation by the police. Following a successful pilot, the tool is now being scaled.
