‘Smart’ crime prevention? Digitization and racialized crime control in a Smart City

Abstract

As part of the global Smart Cities movement, the Switching on Darwin programme foregrounds digitally enhanced government and urbanism. While promoting its environmental and democratizing potential, software-enhanced CCTV, LED lighting and geofencing were among the first components rolled out. In practice, these technologies will impact adversely on Aboriginal people, already disproportionately targeted by criminal justice processes. By integrating multiple ‘smart’ technologies with ‘public safety’ agendas, such Smart City developments provide the potential for intensified criminalization of visible minorities.