Deputy Tech Director

The Policing Project at New York University School of Law seeks a dynamic and talented attorney for our technology law and policy team.

Join us at the epicenter of the national debate around AI, civil rights, and public safety. New law enforcement technologies constantly are emerging, and while some hold promise to improve public safety, they also can pose profound risks to privacy, equity, and other democratic values. Our technology team is dedicated to promoting the responsible governance of new technologies — from face recognition and vehicle surveillance systems to AI-driven report writing software and cutting-edge forensic tools. We take a unique approach among organizations working in the policing and technology space, partnering closely with policymakers, agencies, vendors, advocates, and other stakeholders to ensure that new technologies in the public safety sphere are used transparently, effectively, and in ways that respect civil rights and civil liberties.

The position is based out of the Policing Project’s New York City offices (located at NYU School of Law), but we will consider a full-time remote position for the right candidate.

Background on the Policing Project

The Policing Project is at the forefront of a new approach to addressing the harms of policing. We believe in “front-end accountability” — that there must be public voice and democratic sign off before police act, rather than simply when something goes wrong. The goal is achieving public safety that is equitable, non-discriminatory, and respectful of public values. We pursue this mission by drafting and promoting legislation to regulate policing, and by litigating where these principles are not respected. Our work addresses both street policing and the growing use by police of surveillance technologies and artificial intelligence. Because sending armed officers to deal with a raft of social problems satisfies no one, we also are working hard to reimagine public safety from the ground up, relying on non-police alternative first responders. You can learn more about our work —past and present — at www.PolicingProject.org.

Job Description & Responsibilities

Our technology law and policy team’s work is founded on the conviction that policing technology must be adopted democratically — with robust oversight and an unwavering commitment to minimizing harm. Your role will be to help us translate that conviction into tangible, real-world policy and practice.

This position would entail the following core responsibilities:

• Developing cutting-edge resources and model legislation for our AI Policy Hub, a repository of resources on AI governance in public safety for policymakers, agencies, and communities.
• Working to develop responsible use policies for policing agencies, in close consultation with local advocates, law enforcement, and community leaders.
• Leading a first-of-its-kind effort to develop a repository of body-worn camera footage to enable innovative research into policing practices and potential reforms.
• Drafting reports, issue briefs, and policy guides, and providing technical assistance to lawmakers related to a wide range of public safety technologies, including but not limited to:
  • Face recognition and other biometric technologies
  • Vehicle surveillance systems
  • Predictive policing
  • Drones and robotics
  • Emerging DNA techniques
  • Generative AI tools (such as report drafting software)
• Giving testimony before lawmakers, representing the organization on expert panels, and engaging with media
• Participating and helping to organize salons, roundtables, and other forms of convenings with stakeholders
• Collaborating with teams within the Policing Project—including our legislative and litigation teams—and with outside organizations and allies to advance the Policing Project’s mission.

Desired Experience & Qualifications

We are looking to hire an attorney with the experience, talent, energy, creativity, and passion to help us bring democratic accountability to policing. Given the cutting-edge and innovative nature of our work, and the fact that it often occurs around fraught social issues, we are looking for someone who is a problem solver with maturity and excellent judgment. This position offers meaningful opportunities for growth and increasing responsibility as our work continues to expand.

In addition to a legal degree, our ideal candidate will have the following qualifications, although applicants who do not meet all of the following qualifications are still encouraged to apply:

• Significant policy or litigation experience;
• Strong familiarity and/or interest in constitutional law, criminal procedure, policing, racial justice, and civil rights/civil liberties;
• Strong familiarity and/or interest in AI-enabled technologies and technology more broadly;
• Excellent legal research, analysis, and written communication skills;
• Excellent judgment and the ability to keep many balls in the air without dropping them;
• A collaborative, collegial, and curious spirit;
• Strong organizational skills and an inclination to be proactive.

The Policing Project heartily encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds, and is an equal opportunity employer.

The position is based out of the Policing Project’s New York City offices (located at NYU School of Law), but we would consider a full-time remote position for the right candidate.

Compensation also includes excellent benefits, including medical, dental, and vision. After one year, employees are eligible for tuition remission at certain NYU schools and matching retirement contributions. Further information regarding benefits can be found here.