2025 Opportunities and Challenges of Technological Innovation in the Criminal Justice System
The ACJRD 28th Annual Conference on the theme of ‘Opportunities and Challenges of Technological Innovation in the Criminal Justice System’ took place on Thursday, 12th June 2025 in the Camden Court Hotel, Dublin 2.
In an era of rapid technological change, Ireland’s criminal justice system stands at a crossroads. This conference offered a timely platform to explore how digital transformation can enhance justice delivery - while exploring the ethical and operational challenges that come with it.
Recent Irish and EU legislation has and is set to significantly influence technological innovation within the criminal justice system, focusing on enhancing digital capabilities, cross-border cooperation, and data governance. Legislation legislation which aims to implement the provisions of the EU’s e-evidence regulations and convention on cybercrime, the EU AI Act, the Criminal Justice (Protection, Preservation and Access to Data on Information Systems) Bill 2024, guidelines for public servants on the use of free generative AI tools and statements from the Minister for Justice on electronic tagging are only some of what’s on the horizon.
But with progress comes complexity. How do we balance privacy with public safety? What role should AI play in judicial decision-making? How can technology address, rather than deepen, existing inequalities?
The conference explored the future of the criminal justice system as it navigates the opportunities and challenges presented by the development of new technologies. As advances in artificial intelligence, digital surveillance, forensic science, and data analytics rapidly reshape the criminal justice landscape, the need for thoughtful, informed dialogue has never been greater. This year's conference brought together legal professionals, technologists, academics, law enforcement leaders, and policy-makers to examine both the transformative opportunities and the pressing ethical and operational challenges posed by emerging technologies.
From artificial intelligence and digital evidence to algorithmic bias and data privacy, we dived deep into the innovations changing how justice is delivered—and who it serves.
The conference report includes the following Plenary papers:
- Senator Fiona O’Loughlin – Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence
- Professor Jens Erik Paulsen, Norwegian Police University College – Moral responsibility in digital policing
- The Hon. Ms. Justice Nuala Jackson, The High Court - How can AI assist legal practice and how can it hinder?
- Chief Inspector Jacqui Durkin, Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland - Transforming the criminal justice system in Northern Ireland: A strategic overview
- Chief Superintendent Derek Smart, An Garda Síochána – Improving the digital evidence journey using body worn cameras
The report includes the following workshop summaries:
Session 1: Applications of Technology in the Criminal Justice System
- Donna Creaven, Irish Prison Service – Modernising rehabilitation: the role of technology in the Irish prison system
- Dr Ciara Bracken-Roche, Maynooth University – The use of surveillance technologies for policing: cases from Canada and Ireland
- Heather O'Shea, Barnardos’ Dóchas Project – Experience of Video Camera for Family Communications in Dóchas prison
Session 2: Human Rights and Ethical Issues in the Use of Technology in the Criminal Justice System
- Saoirse Brady, Irish Penal Reform Trust – Tech innovations in prison reform: challenges and opportunities
- Tricia Keilthy, Ombudsman for Children’s Office – Risks and Opportunities in the Digital Worls: A Children’s Rights Perspective
Session 3: Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Criminal Justice System
- Donna O’Leary, DOL Consultancy – Implications of the EU AI Act for the legal profession
- Chris Greene, Trinity College Dublin – The ex(planation) factor: What makes a trustworthy AI-assisted legal decision?
- Dr Brian Barry, Trinity College Dublin – The views of the Irish judiciary on technology in the courts