Human in the Loop: Citizens Perceptions in the Face of Technological Discrimination

The introduction of automated systems, such as body-cams and automated background check systems, was supposed to restore the legitimacy of policing agencies among U.S. citizens. However, it remains unclear how representation impacts citizens' attitudes towards agencies when technology produces discriminatory outcomes, despite a growing body of research on this relationship. One proposed solution to this issue is the Human-in-the-Loop (HITL) control paradigm, which involves human participation in the decision-making of AI and algorithmic systems to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability. By introducing the concept of HITL in a lens of representative bureaucracy, this study aims to examine the extent to which improved representation in public agencies affects citizens' perceptions of agency fairness in cases were technology results in discriminatory outcomes. Specifically, the study seeks to investigate whether improved representation can mitigate negative attitudes towards agencies in such situations. Using an online survey experiment we find that when police agencies partner with underrepresented communities (both Black and Hispanic) overall citizens attitude improve on police trust and legitimacy. Further the largest increases are shown amongst both the Black and Hispanic population. This provides important theoretical and practical application for police researchers and practitioners.

James E. Wright II, Ph.D., is an associate professor in the School of Public Affairs & School of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Arizona State University where his research specializes in race, justice, equity, policing and organizational management.