Predictive policing refers to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and data analysis by police departments to predict where crimes are more likely to occur or which individuals may be at higher risk of committing or experiencing crime. These systems analyze large amounts of existing data, such as past crime reports, arrest records, locations, time patterns, and other policing data, to generate forecasts. Police may use these predictions to increase patrols in certain areas, monitor specific individuals more closely, or allocate resources differently.