Machines of justice: A systematic review of AI applications in policing and criminal justice

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly influencing how police and criminal justice systems detect, predict, and respond to crime. This systematic review synthesizes over a decade of research on AI applications, with a particular focus on policing-related applications, including crime pattern detection, predictive policing, and criminal network analysis, alongside broader judicial and correctional tools. While AI holds considerable potential for enhancing efficiency and resource allocation, it also introduces substantial ethical and legal challenges, particularly regarding algorithmic bias, opacity, and due process. Drawing on peer-reviewed studies, government reports, and critical analyses, this review maps key trends, technical innovations, and gaps in oversight. The review concludes with targeted policy recommendations and directions for future research aimed at ensuring that AI tools in policing and criminal justice promote, rather than undermine, equity, accountability, and human rights.