Worcester officials approved the use of software that uses automated data analysis to direct when and where police patrols visit certain neighborhoods.

The former federal prosecutor running the task force said there's a place for AI-backed technologies like facial recognition, but that governments can "do better."

Mayor Bill de Blasio also announced the creation of a new position of algorithms management and policy officer to oversee the city's use of algorithms.

Expert witnesses told the 18-member panel how the data-driven algorithms the city uses can sometimes lead to racially biased policies.

The first public meeting is scheduled for April 30, but transparency advocates say the city has been slow to open its discussions to the public.