Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing law enforcement and justice systems, providing unparalleled potential for predictive policing, forensic analysis, surveillance, and judicial decision-making. This systematic review integrates evidence from 80 studies shortlisted from 375, assessing AI’s operational effectiveness, ethical issues, and regulatory issues. AI improves crime prediction, maximizes resource allocation, and speeds up forensic investigations, leading to more effective justice processes. Hitherto, there are ethical risks involved, such as algorithmic bias, decision-making opacity, and privacy violations, which fall disproportionately on marginalized groups. There is a concern regarding fairness and due process as a result of the lack of transparency and accountability in AI decision-making, calling for stringent oversight mechanisms. Strong regulatory frameworks, interdisciplinarity, and public participation are necessary to ensure responsible deployment of AI. Policymakers need to set ethical standards, impose transparency obligations, and create mechanisms for auditing AI systems for fairness and accountability. The research emphasizes the urgent need for AI governance frameworks that harmonize technological progress with legal and ethical norms. Meeting these concerns promotes trust in AI applications and ensures law enforcement derives benefits from AI innovations while protecting basic rights. A balanced strategy combining innovation with regulatory protection will be the determining factor of AI’s lasting effect on policing and justice.