Algorithm Register NFI
The Ministry of Justice and Security and the executing organizations of JenV have created an algorithm register, which provides an overview of various algorithms used within JenV and its executing organizations. The Netherlands Forensic Institute (NFI) participates in this initiative to make it clear to the public why and how algorithms are applied.
The NFI uses algorithms to support experts in their work. The registers are still under development and do not yet contain all algorithms. More algorithms will be added gradually, and more organizations will join. Currently, the NFI has published two algorithms in the JenV algorithm register and on its own website.
What is an algorithm?
An algorithm is a set of rules and instructions. Computers execute algorithms, for example, to perform calculations, solve problems, answer questions, make predictions, or support decisions. An algorithm can be compared to a recipe. The recipe uses data as ingredients. Computers follow the instructions in the recipe to analyze the data.
Some algorithms – but not all – learn from data, for example by learning from previous results. If this is the case, it will be clearly indicated in the algorithm register.
Questions about the NFI's Algorithm Register?
You can email your questions via the general contact form.
Journalists with questions about algorithms used by the NFI can contact the NFI's press officers.
Do you also want to learn more about the algorithms used by other ministries or municipalities? These can be found in the government-wide algorithm register, where all publicly published algorithms by government bodies are collected and made searchable.