Are you interested in helping the Calgary Police Service develop an ethical framework for data collection? We are looking for individuals both internally within the Service and externally to be a part of the Technology Ethics Steering Committee to help us govern and regulate the use of algorithmic policing technologies used by law enforcement.

The Issue:

In recent years, advanced algorithmic policing technologies used for predictive policing and surveillance purposes have been developed in the private sector with little regulation or oversight. To function, generally these technologies require sensitive historical data collected by law enforcement. Recent examples in the media of improper use of such technologies by law enforcement in the US and Canada have demonstrated the impact a misguided implementation of algorithmic policing technology can have on public trust and confidence.

As CPS considers implementing algorithmic policing technologies to enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement activities and public safety outcomes, there is a responsibility to establish an ethical framework governing their use. However, there are few examples of ethical guidelines for law enforcement use of such technology and little guidance from existing Provincial and Federal legislation.

The Solution:

The Calgary Police Service would benefit greatly from employee and public input on an ongoing basis in the development and application of a Technology Ethics Framework. To achieve this, CPS is creating a Technology Ethics Steering Committee bringing together CPS employees and members of the public. Initially the committee will guide the development of an ethical framework and on an ongoing basis, provide oversight on CPS’s use of algorithmic policing technologies and personal data for law enforcement activities.

Who we Need:

To achieve its goals and fulfill its mandate, the Technology Ethics Steering Committee needs CPS members with a high level of accountability and subject matter expertise in one or more of the following areas:

·         IT development and implementation

·         Information management and governance

·         Information protection and privacy

·         Data analytics

·         Risk Management

·         Diversity / Anti-racism

·         Police operations

Committee Member Responsibilities:

The Technology Ethics Steering Committee will consist of 12 -to-15 members. The committee will be comprised of roughly half community members and half CPS employees (police officers and civilian members). Committee member responsibilities include:

·         Attending all meetings (one meeting per quarter) to ensure the requirements for quorum are met.

·         Committing to a one-year term.

·         Providing your perspective on the ethical implications of items brought to the Committee.

·         Delivering actionable recommendations based on the perspectives gathered at committee meetings.

·         Guiding the creation of and ensuring timely review of the following key deliverables, that together will form the CPS Technology Ethics Framework:

o   Defining the threshold of what is in scope for review by the CPS Technology Ethics Steering Committee

o   CPS Technology Code of Ethics

o   CPS Technology Ethics application and review process

o   Reporting requirements for tools employing algorithmic policing technologies (i.e. auditing)

o   CPS Technology Ethics Policy

 How to Get Involved:

Please submit a one-page cover letter outlining what they would bring to the committee, with a specific focus on the criteria above. Please email your application to [email protected] by May 17, 2022.