Improving Law and Order in Mauritius with Digital Technologies

Mauritius, a regional leader in economic stability and governance, faces challenges in maintaining robust law and order due to evolving crime patterns, resource constraints, and public trust issues. Over the past decade, perceptions of deteriorating law enforcement have emerged, linked to inefficiencies, corruption allegations, and inadequate technological adoption. Digital technologies, particularly AI, offer transformative potential to enhance policing, judicial processes, and public safety. This report outlines strategies for leveraging these technologies and provides context on the perceived decline in law and order.

Perceived Deterioration of Law and Order (2015–2025)

Over the past ten years, Mauritius has experienced challenges that have contributed to a perception of deteriorating law and order, though data on crime rates and systemic issues is limited and mixed. Key factors include:

• Rising Crime Rates and New Threats: Reports suggest increases in drug trafficking, cybercrime, and violent crimes, straining law enforcement resources. The proliferation of synthetic drugs and online fraud has outpaced traditional policing methods.
• Corruption Allegations: High-profile scandals involving police and public officials have eroded public trust. Cases like the 2020 Wakashio oil spill exposed governance gaps, fueling perceptions of impunity.
• Inefficient Policing and Judicial Systems: Manual processes, understaffed police forces, and court backlogs have delayed justice delivery. For instance, case resolution times have reportedly increased, frustrating victims and defendants.
• Limited Technology Adoption: Unlike sectors like fintech, law enforcement has lagged in adopting digital tools, relying on outdated systems for crime tracking and evidence management.
• Socioeconomic Pressures: Rising inequality and youth unemployment have been linked to petty crimes and gang activity, particularly in urban areas like Port Louis.

While Mauritius remains safer than many peers, these issues have amplified public concerns, necessitating urgent reforms.

Strategies for Using Digital Technologies and AI to Improve Law and Order

Digital technologies can address these challenges by enhancing efficiency, transparency, and proactive crime prevention. Below are key strategies, tailored to Mauritius’ context:

1. AI-Powered Predictive Policing

• Application: Use AI algorithms to analyze crime data (e.g., location, time, type) and predict hotspots. Tools like predictive analytics can optimize police patrols and resource allocation.
• Benefits: Reduces response times, deters crime, and maximizes limited personnel. For example, AI could identify patterns in drug trafficking routes.
• Implementation: Partner with Mauritius’ Artificial Intelligence Council (MAIC) to develop localized models. Train algorithms on historical crime data while ensuring bias mitigation.
• Challenges: Requires robust data infrastructure and ethical oversight to prevent profiling. Mauritius’ 2018 AI Strategy emphasizes ethical frameworks, which can guide this.

2. Digital Evidence Management Systems

• Application: Implement blockchain-based platforms to securely store and track evidence, reducing tampering risks. AI can analyze video footage or forensic data for faster case processing.
• Benefits: Enhances evidence integrity, critical in corruption-prone environments. Speeds up investigations, addressing judicial delays.
• Implementation: Leverage Mauritius’ cybersecurity framework under the Financial Services Commission (FSC) to ensure secure systems.
• Challenges: High initial costs and training needs. Smaller police stations may require phased rollouts.

3. AI-Enhanced Judicial Processes

• Application: Use AI for case management, document automation, and outcome prediction. Tools like those discussed at the 2023 Mauritius Law Society Colloquium can streamline legal research and draft contracts.
• Benefits: Reduces court backlogs, enabling faster justice delivery. Predictive analytics can inform bail or sentencing decisions, though human oversight is critical.
• Implementation: Pilot AI tools in commercial courts, where explicit rules (e.g., tax laws) suit AI’s strengths, before expanding to criminal cases.
• Challenges: Ethical concerns, including bias and transparency, require strict regulation. Mauritius’ data privacy laws mandate compliance.

4. Combating Cybercrime with AI

• Application: Deploy AI-driven threat detection systems to monitor online fraud, deepfakes, and hacking attempts. Mauritius’ 2021 FSC AI Rules regulate AI in financial services, offering a model for cybersecurity.
• Benefits: Addresses the rise in cybercrime, a key factor in law deterioration. Protects critical infrastructure and public trust.
• Implementation: Establish a national cybercrime unit with AI tools, supported by the Accredited Institute of Information Technology’s AI and Data Privacy course.
• Challenges: Requires international cooperation for cross-border cybercrime, as noted in recent SC directives.

5. Public Engagement through Digital Platforms

• Application: Develop AI chatbots and mobile apps for crime reporting, legal aid access, and public awareness. Mauritius’ 2018 AI Strategy prioritizes citizen services, making this feasible.
• Benefits: Improves police-community relations, countering trust deficits. Empowers citizens, especially in underserved areas.
• Implementation: Use existing platforms like the Mauritius Police Force website to integrate AI-driven features. Run awareness campaigns, as suggested by the MAIC.
• Challenges: Digital divide in rural areas requires infrastructure investment.

6. Addressing Deepfake and Misinformation Risks

• Application: Regulate generative AI to label deepfake content, as proposed in Mauritius’ AI legislation discussions. AI can detect manipulated media used in fraud or propaganda.
• Benefits: Protects judicial integrity by ensuring reliable evidence. Counters misinformation undermining public trust.
• Implementation: Adopt EU AI Act-inspired regulations, classifying high-risk AI systems and mandating transparency.
• Challenges: Balancing innovation with regulation, as emphasized by the Law Society.

Ethical and Regulatory Considerations

Mauritius’ legal framework, including the 2018 AI Strategy and 2021 FSC AI Rules, provides a foundation for responsible AI use. Key considerations include:

• Bias Mitigation: AI systems must be audited to prevent discrimination, especially in policing and judicial applications.
• Transparency: Algorithms should be explainable, as highlighted in global AI ethics discussions.
• Data Privacy: Compliance with Mauritius’ data protection laws is critical, given lawyers’ roles as data collectors.
• Human Oversight: AI should augment, not replace, human decision-making, as 96% of legal professionals oppose AI representing clients in court.

Implementation Roadmap

1. Short-Term (1–2 Years): Pilot AI in predictive policing and evidence management in Port Louis. Enhance cybercrime units with AI tools.
2. Medium-Term (3–5 Years): Expand AI judicial tools to major courts. Develop public-facing AI platforms for crime reporting.
3. Long-Term (5–10 Years): Integrate AI across all law enforcement and judicial processes, supported by comprehensive legislation.

Digital technologies, particularly AI, offer Mauritius a path to strengthen law and order by improving efficiency, transparency, and public engagement. Addressing the perceived deterioration over the past decade requires tackling inefficiencies, corruption, and emerging crimes like cybercrime. By leveraging its 2018 AI Strategy and robust regulatory framework, Mauritius can become a model for technology-driven justice in Africa. Ethical vigilance and infrastructure investment will be key to success.