Source: Council of Europe

The Council of Europe has launched a new set of resources aimed at strengthening the capacity of police forces across its member states to combat hate crime and discrimination effectively. These materials were developed as part of the project "Policing in a diverse society – PRO-DIVERSA" and were presented during the project's closing conference in Strasbourg. Among the key publications is a practical guide specifically addressing the use of Artificial Intelligence by police services. This guide is designed to help law enforcement agencies leverage the benefits of AI technologies while simultaneously mitigating the significant risks of discrimination and bias that such systems can introduce or amplify. It offers recommendations on ensuring that algorithmic tools are designed and deployed in a manner that is fair, transparent, and compliant with human rights standards.

In addition to the AI-focused guide, the Council has also published a resource on establishing effective referral mechanisms to ensure that victims of hate crime and discrimination are connected with appropriate support services. This holistic approach recognizes that combating these offenses requires not only robust law enforcement action but also comprehensive victim support. The resources emphasize the importance of building trust between police and diverse communities, a cornerstone of effective policing in democratic societies. By providing concrete guidance on both technological and procedural fronts, the Council of Europe aims to equip police forces with the necessary tools to uphold the principles of equality and non-discrimination while carrying out their duties in an increasingly complex and technologically advanced world.