Racist Algorithms or Systemic Problems? Risk Assessments and Racial Disparities

Vincent, Gina M.; Viljoen, Jodi L.

doi:10.1177/0093854820954501

Cited by 68Criminal Justice and Corrections AnalysisEthics and Social Impacts of AIArtificial Intelligence in Law

Racist Algorithms or Systemic Problems? Risk Assessments and Racial Disparities

Vincent, Gina M., Viljoen, Jodi L.·2020·Criminal Justice and Behavior

DOI 10.1177/0093854820954501

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Abstract

As recent and historical events attest, racial and ethnic disparities are widely engrained into the justice system. Recently, scholars and policymakers have raised concerns that risk assessment instruments may exacerbate these disparities. While it is critical that risk instruments be scrutinized for racial bias, some concerns, though well-meaning, have gone beyond the evidence. This article explains what it means for an instrument to be “biased” and why instruments should not all be painted with the same brush (some will be more susceptible to bias than others). If some groups get apprehended more, those groups will score higher on non-biased, well-validated instruments derived to maximize prediction of recidivism because of mathematics. Thus, risk instruments shine a light on long-standing systemic problems of racial disparities. This article concludes with suggestions for research and for minimizing disparities by ensuring that systems use risk assessments to avoid unnecessary incarceration while allowing for structured discretion.

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Psychologists have drawn attention to the need for careful consideration of inherent bias in some risk assessment tools, particularly those that are based almost entirely on one's prior criminal record.
“Psychologists have drawn attention to the need for careful consideration of inherent bias in some risk assessment tools, particularly those that are based almost entirely on one ' s prior criminal record (e.g., Vincent & Viljoen, 2020).”
From A call to dismantle systemic racism in criminal legal systems. (2022) · cites this paper as Vincent & Viljoen, 2020

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Authors: Vincent, G. M., & Viljoen, J. L.
Affiliations: University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School (US)
Simon Fraser University (CA)
Corresponding author: Vincent, Gina M.
ORCID: Vincent, Gina M.
Viljoen, Jodi L.
Venue: Criminal Justice and Behavior
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Published: 2020-09-10
Volume: 47
Issue: 12
Pages: 1576-1584
ISSN: 0093-8548 (ISSN-L)
1552-3594
DOI: 10.1177/0093854820954501
OpenAlex: W3085784634
Cited by: 68
References: 35
Citations by year: 2026: 6 · 2025: 6 · 2024: 23 · 2023: 10 · 2022: 13 · 2021: 10
FWCI: 11.01
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Licence: journals.sagepub.com/page/policies/text-and-data-mining-license (tdm)
Locations: Criminal Justice and Behavior (publishedVersion)
Topics: Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Criminal Justice and Corrections Analysis
Social Sciences › Safety Research › Ethics and Social Impacts of AI
Social Sciences › Political Science and International Relations › Artificial Intelligence in Law
Keywords: risk assessment tools, racial disparities, algorithmic bias, recidivism prediction, criminal justice system, systemic racism, pretrial detention

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Racist Algorithms or Systemic Problems? Risk Assessments and Racial Disparities

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