UK Government Considers AI Cameras, Smell Detectors to Monitor Criminals

The UK government is considering innovative technologies such as AI cameras and smell detectors to monitor criminals both inside prisons and in the community. These smell detectors use synthetic brain cells combined with artificial intelligence to mimic the human nose and detect drugs like spice and fentanyl, aiming to enhance staff safety and ensure offenders comply with licence conditions. AI cameras could be installed in offenders' homes to analyze behavior and support community sentences, aligning with plans to reduce prison overcrowding by increasing the use of digital monitoring. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood described this as potentially imposing a “digital prison outside of prison,” while Prisons and Probation Minister Lord Timpson emphasized the need to modernize a justice system currently lagging behind technological advances. Other proposed technologies include heart rate monitors that alert staff to signs of violence or medical emergencies, and transcription tools to streamline administrative tasks. The government is reviewing these proposals for possible pilot programs as part of broader reforms to cut crime, reduce reoffending, and protect victims.