Police Departments Testing AI-Powered Tool to Auto-Generate Reports
Police departments are at the forefront of adopting new technologies, including drones, facial recognition, predictive software, and now artificial intelligence. With the introduction of AI audio transcription programs, some departments are now exploring a more comprehensive tool that uses technology similar to ChatGPT to automatically generate police reports. According to a report from the Associated Press, officers are excited about this new generative AI tool that promises to save 30-45 minutes of routine officework.
Axon announced Draft One in April as a step towards reducing gun-related deaths involving police. The tool, which leverages Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI platform, is designed to transcribe police body camera audio and quickly create draft narratives using AI. Reports are based solely on the audio transcript to ensure accuracy and are reviewed by officers before further human review. The use of AI in report writing is also flagged for transparency.
Noah Spitzer-Williams, Axon’s AI products manager, mentioned that Draft One utilizes the same technology as ChatGPT but with additional controls to maintain factual reporting and avoid misinformation issues. The scope of Draft One’s use varies by department, with some using it for minor incident reports while others have broader applications.
However, concerns have been raised about the reliability of generative AI in critical situations. Experts argue that these tools may not always generate accurate information and could potentially amplify biases in the criminal justice system. The use of AI tools in generating police reports has sparked debates around privacy, civil rights, and justice.
While some believe AI-powered tools can streamline report writing processes, others caution against relying solely on algorithms for such crucial tasks. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how AI will impact the future of law enforcement and public safety.
