Cops and Computers: AI's New Role in Policing

Law enforcement has always been quick to adopt new tech, from scanners that read license plates to cameras that recognize faces. Now, AI is stepping into a big part of police work: writing reports. The U. S. Department of Justice says some police departments are using AI software linked to body cameras. When an officer uploads footage, the AI listens to the audio, transcribes it, and drafts a report in minutes. The idea is to cut down on desk work and keep officers out in the field. Here’s how it works: The AI doesn’t watch the video or make decisions. It just listens and types out what it hears. Officers are told to describe what’s happening as it unfolds. For example, if an officer says, “The suspect seems drunk, ” the AI will include that in the report. Later, the video can be checked to see if the officer’s words match what happened. Officers using tools like Draft One or Field Notes pick the type of incident, review the AI’s draft, and make any needed changes before signing off. The reports always say AI helped write them, and the officer is still responsible for what’s in the final version.Supporters say this tech helps with two big problems in policing: not enough time and not enough officers. Detective Jason Lucas from Oklahoma City Police says AI saves hours and can catch details officers might miss. He also thinks it makes reports more accurate and helps officers improve their writing. Police departments are spending a lot on this tech. Experts say the AI-in-law-enforcement market will grow from $3. 5 billion in 2024 to over $6. 6 billion by 2033. But there are concerns. Some worry about transparency, bias in the AI, and whether these reports will hold up in court. In Oklahoma City, police worked with local prosecutors before using the tech. Some prosecutors were on board, but others wanted to see how defense lawyers might challenge AI reports. Because of this, the department only uses AI for minor incidents that don’t lead to arrests. As police departments across the country think about the pros and cons, AI-assisted report writing is both a useful tool and a closely watched experiment in modern policing.