Police officers are now utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots to expedite the time-consuming process of incident reporting. With the introduction of AI technology, companies like Axon, renowned for their production of tasers, have developed a program that converts audio recordings from officers’ body cameras into comprehensive narratives. This innovative approach drastically reduces the hours typically spent on report writing, benefiting police departments already facing resource constraints.
Thaddeus Johnson, a former police officer and current assistant professor of criminal justice at Georgia State University, highlights the significance of these time-saving measures. Johnson emphasizes that prolonged report writing can lead to delayed response times, which can have serious implications for criminal court cases. “Our response times can take longer the longer we’re tied up in reports, and these reports are so important because they provide the fundamental basis for criminal court cases,” Johnson stated.
Moreover, the AI technology assists officers in recalling crucial details that may have been forgotten due to factors such as auditory exclusion or tunnel vision during incidents. Johnson acknowledges instances where he himself has overlooked important information. The software’s ability to document police encounters helps bridge these gaps in memory.
However, the implementation of software for incident reporting also raises concerns. While officers have the opportunity to review and edit the reports before submission, there is a risk that the language algorithm could misinterpret the meaning or context of the dialogue captured on the body cameras. The Electronic Frontier Foundation, a nonprofit digital rights group, has expressed apprehensions regarding the potential for abuse in integrating AI into narratives of police encounters. They argue that this technology could further complicate an already intricate system.
Axon, the company behind the AI chatbot technology, asserts that they have implemented safeguards to address bias and ensure accuracy. Currently, the Oklahoma City Police Department is experimenting with the technology for minor incident reports that do not result in arrests.
