Evolve

Summary

This section of the College of Policing Authorised Professional Practice (APP) covers the process of evolving data-driven technologies (DDTs) within policing. It outlines stages including design, formal validation, and decision-making criteria that project leads must follow. Throughout these stages, considerations around data quality, legal compliance, and algorithmic transparency are emphasized. Project leads are advised to engage with various stakeholders, conduct rigorous testing to prevent bias, and ensure appropriate training for users of the technology. Key documents include project design reports and risk management assessments, which must be completed to ensure the effectiveness and reliability of the DDTs before deployment.

Key principles

• 1Engage with relevant stakeholders throughout all stages of DDT development.
• 2Ensure data used is high-quality and ethically sourced.
• 3Complete necessary evaluations and validations prior to DDT deployment.
• 4Develop training plans tailored to the needs of users.
• 5Assess potential risks and document mitigation strategies.

Defined terms

Decision protection officer (DPO)

An individual responsible for overseeing data protection and compliance in relation to DDTs.

Senior information risk owner (SIRO)

A designated individual accountable for the management of information risks within an organization.

Data protection impact assessment (DPIA)

A process to help organizations identify and minimize the data protection risks of a project.

Algorithmic transparency

The extent to which an organization makes the workings of its algorithms accessible and understandable to the public and interested stakeholders.

National police system

A system classified as having national significance, requiring specific validation and risk management processes.