AI Chatbots Revolutionise Police Reporting in the UK
- tech360.tv
- Aug 27, 2024
- 4 min read
Police officers are turning to AI chatbots for writing crime reports. Concerns arise regarding the admissibility of AI-generated reports in court. AI technology offers time-saving benefits but raises accountability issues for officers.
In a recent case in Oklahoma City, police Sergeant Matt Gilmore and his K-9 dog, Gunner, utilised AI to generate a report based on audio recordings from a body camera. The AI tool produced a detailed report in just eight seconds, capturing crucial details that even Gilmore had overlooked.
This innovative approach marks a shift in how incident reports are created, with AI chatbots being used to draft initial versions. While officers like Gilmore praise the time-saving benefits and accuracy of this technology, concerns have been raised by prosecutors, police oversight groups, and legal experts regarding the potential impact on the integrity of these essential documents within the criminal justice system.
Developed by Axon, a leading supplier of law enforcement technology, the AI tool, known as Draft One, has garnered significant interest within the police force. Rick Smith, Axon's founder and CEO, highlighted the positive reception of the product among officers, emphasising its ability to reduce the burden of administrative tasks and enhance overall efficiency in police work.
However, Smith acknowledged the need for caution, particularly in ensuring that officers remain accountable for the content of the reports, especially in legal proceedings. The concern lies in the possibility of officers attributing report authorship solely to the AI chatbot, potentially impacting the credibility of the evidence presented in court.
While AI technology has been increasingly integrated into various police operations, including license plate recognition and predictive crime analysis, the use of AI-generated reports introduces new challenges. The lack of established guidelines for this technology raises questions about its implications for due process and the potential biases that could be embedded in automated reporting systems.
Community activists, such as aurelius francisco from the Foundation for Liberating Minds in Oklahoma City, have expressed reservations about the broader societal impact of AI-generated reports. Francisco highlighted concerns about the potential misuse of this technology, particularly in exacerbating biases and facilitating unwarranted surveillance and harassment, particularly towards minority communities.
In response to these concerns, Oklahoma City police officials have restricted the use of AI-generated reports to minor incidents that do not result in arrests or involve violent crimes. Captain Jason Bussert, overseeing information technology for the department, emphasised the cautious approach taken in implementing this technology, especially in high-stakes criminal cases.
In Lafayette, Indiana, Police Chief Scott Galloway shared with the AP that Draft One, an AI tool, has gained immense popularity among officers since its launch earlier this year. Meanwhile, in Fort Collins, Colorado, police Sgt. Robert Younger noted that while the tool is useful for various reports, it struggles in noisy environments like the downtown bar district.
Axon, the company behind Draft One, initially experimented with AI to analyse audio and video recordings. However, they quickly realised that the technology was not yet suitable for visual data due to concerns around privacy and sensitivity in policing contexts.
CEO Smith highlighted the importance of addressing issues related to race and identity before implementing such technologies, emphasizing the need for thorough consideration and preparation.
Following these experiments, Axon decided to focus solely on audio analysis, unveiling the product during their annual conference for law enforcement officials in April. The technology leverages a generative AI model similar to ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI in San Francisco.
Noah Spitzer-Williams, responsible for managing Axon's AI products, explained that by adjusting certain parameters, they can ensure the AI model remains factual and avoids generating inaccurate or misleading information, unlike standard chatbot models.
While Axon has not disclosed the exact number of police departments using their technology, other vendors like Policereports.ai and Truleo are also offering similar AI-generated reporting solutions. Given Axon's strong ties with law enforcement agencies, experts predict a rise in the adoption of AI-generated reports in the near future.
Legal scholar Andrew Ferguson emphasised the need for public discourse on the benefits and risks associated with AI-generated reports. He raised concerns about the potential for AI models to fabricate information, potentially leading to inaccuracies in police reports.
Ferguson stressed the significance of police reports in legal proceedings and highlighted the impact they can have on individuals' liberties. While acknowledging that human-generated reports are not flawless, he underscored the importance of evaluating the reliability of AI-generated versus human-generated reports.
As officers begin to use AI tools like Draft One, they are adapting their reporting methods. By verbally narrating incidents to ensure accurate recording by cameras, officers are enhancing the quality and detail of their reports.
With the increasing adoption of AI technology, officers are expected to provide more detailed verbal descriptions of events they encounter, improving the accuracy and efficiency of incident reporting.
After testing the system during a traffic stop, officers found that Draft One swiftly generated a comprehensive report in conversational language, mirroring the details an officer would typically include in their notes. The efficiency and accuracy of the AI-generated reports have impressed officers, streamlining the reporting process significantly.
To maintain transparency, officers using AI-generated reports are required to acknowledge the AI's involvement by ticking a designated box at the end of each report.
Police officers are turning to AI chatbots for writing crime reports
Concerns arise regarding the admissibility of AI-generated reports in court
AI technology offers time-saving benefits but raises accountability issues for officers
Source: AP NEWS
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