In Oklahoma City, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing how police document their work. Sgt. Matt Gilmore and his K-9 partner, Gunner, recently conducted a suspect search recorded by a body camera. Traditionally, Gilmore would spend 30 to 45 minutes drafting a report on such incidents. Now, with the help of AI, the task is completed in just eight seconds.
AI Enhances Reporting Efficiency
The AI system employed by the Oklahoma City Police Department analyzes audio from body cameras to generate draft reports quickly. Gilmore found the AI-generated report to be not only faster but also more precise and well-organized than his manual reports. “It was a better report than I could have ever written, and it was 100% accurate,” he remarked, highlighting how the AI even captured details he missed, like the color of a suspect’s car mentioned by another officer.
This AI tool, built by Axon—the company known for its Tasers and body cameras—uses technology similar to ChatGPT. Known as Draft One, it’s currently being trialed by a few police departments across the country. Axon’s CEO, Rick Smith, noted that the technology has been well-received, with officers appreciating the time saved. Despite its success, there are concerns about AI’s role in drafting reports, particularly from prosecutors worried about losing human oversight in crucial documentation.
Ethical and Practical Concerns
The integration of AI into law enforcement is not without controversy. Activist Aurelius Francisco from Oklahoma City has voiced concerns about the potential for AI to amplify existing racial biases. Francisco criticized Axon, questioning whether the same company that provides Tasers should also be involved in creating AI tools for police. He fears this could lead to increased surveillance and discrimination against marginalized communities.
Legal experts also caution against AI’s widespread use. The potential for AI-generated reports to introduce errors or biases could impact legal proceedings. Critics worry that AI might produce misleading information, affecting prosecutions and court outcomes. Andrew Ferguson, a law professor at American University, underscores the need for a broader public discussion on the implications of AI in law enforcement.
Current and Future Uses of AI
At present, the AI system is used by the Oklahoma City Police Department only for minor incident reports that do not involve serious crimes or arrests. Capt. Jason Bussert explained, “No arrests, no felonies, no violent crimes.” In contrast, other cities like Lafayette, Indiana, and Fort Collins, Colorado, have adopted the technology more broadly. In Lafayette, officers can use Draft One for all cases, while Fort Collins has encountered some challenges with noisy environments affecting AI performance.
Axon initially explored using AI for video analysis as well but found that current technology was inadequate due to sensitivity and accuracy issues. The company decided to focus solely on audio for now, ensuring more reliable results.
The Road Ahead for AI in Policing
The introduction of AI in policing promises efficiency but also brings significant challenges. Experts like Ferguson stress the importance of evaluating both the benefits and potential drawbacks of AI in police work. While AI can streamline report generation, it might also lead to less careful documentation by officers.
As AI becomes more prevalent, officers are expected to adapt by providing more detailed verbal descriptions during incidents. This adjustment aims to ensure that body cameras capture comprehensive and accurate information. Despite the AI’s efficiency, each report generated includes a note confirming its AI-assisted creation, maintaining transparency and ensuring that human oversight remains integral to the process.
