In a move that could potentially revolutionize the way police reports are generated, the Oklahoma City police department has begun experimenting with the use of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots to produce the first drafts of incident reports. This new technology, developed by Axon, the company known for creating Tasers and body cameras, has been met with enthusiasm by police officers looking to streamline the time-consuming process of writing up reports.
Sgt. Matt Gilmore, who tested the AI tool, praised its ability to produce a more accurate and efficient report than he could have written himself. Using audio captured by body cameras, the AI chatbot was able to generate a detailed report in a matter of seconds, highlighting information even Gilmore had not recalled hearing during the search for suspects.
While some law enforcement officials see the introduction of AI-generated reports as a positive development that could free up officers to focus on more pressing tasks, others, including prosecutors, police watchdogs, and legal scholars, have raised concerns about potential implications for the criminal justice system. There are worries about the reliability of AI-generated reports, the potential for false information to be included, and the impact on the rights of individuals involved in criminal cases.
Despite these concerns, the use of AI technology in policing is not new, with various tools already being used to aid in license plate reading, facial recognition, and crime prediction. However, the introduction of AI-generated police reports is a relatively new development, with few established guidelines for their use.
As police departments across the country, including Lafayette, Indiana, and Fort Collins, Colorado, begin to adopt this technology, it is clear that AI-generated reports are likely to become more prevalent in law enforcement. However, before widespread adoption occurs, there is a need for further discussion and consideration of the potential benefits and risks associated with this emerging technology.