“Using AI in criminal investigations requires more than just technology”

During her Master Data Science at JADS, Eva* already knew she wanted to work in the security domain. Today, she works as a data scientist for the police unit in East Brabant, where she focuses on how data and AI can support investigative work without taking decision-making away from people.

* Eva is not her real name. Due to the nature of her work at the police, we use a pseudonym.

“The societal relevance really attracted me,” she says. “You genuinely feel that you contribute to the safety of the Netherlands. I get a lot of satisfaction from that.”

Through an internship during her master’s, Eva ended up at the police organization. That internship eventually led to her current role. “I now work as a data scientist, exactly what the program prepares you for. We look at how we can work with data more intelligently within the organization and how we can use AI responsibly.”

Working with data in investigations

What that looks like in practice varies from day to day. “The work is incredibly broad,” Eva explains. “Take a phone that has been confiscated during an investigation. There’s an enormous amount of data on it. Then the question becomes: how can we search through that data in a smart way without having to do everything manually?”

According to her, the work often revolves around identifying relevant information and patterns more quickly. “With data science, you can make smarter decisions. If you can detect unusual patterns or connections earlier, it saves a huge amount of time.”

At the same time, she emphasizes that AI within the police organization always plays a supporting role. “As humans, we still have to make the final decisions ourselves. Legally, it cannot be any other way. AI is a tool, not a replacement for human judgment.”

That is also why explainability is essential. “You always need to be able to explain why a model does something or where a result comes from. Within the police organization, that becomes even more important.”

“Real-world datasets are never clean”

During her studies, Eva noticed that the practice-oriented approach at JADS connected well to the field she now works in.

“I wanted a program with theoretical depth, but also something strongly connected to practice,” she says. “I found that combination at JADS.”

Working with real organizations during the program helped her enter the workforce with realistic expectations. “You quickly learn what working with companies and organizations is actually like. For example, that datasets are never clean. Once you’ve experienced that multiple times during projects, you’re not surprised by it anymore later on.”

She also values the freedom students have within the curriculum. “You can really shape your own path. Whether you want to focus more on crime & safety, data engineering, or something completely different.”

She feels that practical experience becomes visible in JADS graduates. “You notice that students are already used to working with organizations and taking initiative. That really makes a difference.”

The social side of data science

For Eva, working as a data scientist is about much more than technical skills alone. “Soft skills are at least as important.”

During the master’s program, she learned how to present, collaborate, and communicate with non-technical stakeholders. Those are skills she still uses every day. “I work in a team with many people who do not have a technical background. That means you need to explain complex topics in a clear way.”

She sees that as one of the strengths of the program. “At JADS, you don’t only learn how to code or build models. You also learn how to communicate your work.”

That is why she recognizes a description she sometimes hears about JADS students. “Social nerds,” she says with a smile. “I actually think that fits quite well.”

“You need to discover whether it truly suits you”

Eva points out that working at the police organization requires a certain mindset. “It’s a large organization, and some processes can feel bureaucratic. You have to be able to deal with that.”

At the same time, she experiences the workplace as very people-oriented and supportive. “There is a strong focus on personal development and on maintaining a healthy work-life balance. I really value that.”

Internships play an important role in discovering whether an environment like this fits you personally. “A lot of people find the police organization attractive, but you only really understand the work once you’re inside the organization. An internship helps you get a realistic view of that.”

“Choose something you genuinely care about”

Her main advice to current students is to take their interests seriously.

“Choose a domain that genuinely interests you and really explore it,” she says. “And know your own value.”

That also means persevering when things do not immediately work out. “The job market is quite difficult for starters right now. I had to apply many times before I eventually got this position. But I felt strongly that this was the right place for me.”

Her most important advice is simple. “Don’t give up too quickly and don’t choose something only because it feels safe. Look for work that truly fits you. In the long run, that’s what matters most.”

More information

Want to know more about how the police is using AI? Find more info here (Dutch): https://www.politie.nl/onderwerpen/artificiele-intelligentie—kunstmatige-intelligentie-bij-de-politie.html