Revolutionizing law enforcement: Is artificial intelligence going to completely revamp policing in America?

Submitted by Neal McLoughlin

I am reminded of a famous quote, "There are decades where nothing happens; and there are weeks where decades happen"--Vladimir Ilyich Lenin. As we start the new year, we find ourselves in one of those weeks. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is this transformation. Its impact on various sectors has been profound, but nowhere is its potential more intriguing for me than in the field of law enforcement.

AI offers opportunities for enhancing public safety, improving efficiency, and fostering community trust in law enforcement agencies.

I fear that AI can be delayed in rolling out its potential by those who do not understand or fear the technology, in previous talks and articles I have referred to these individuals as luddites. You can google the term for explanation. Technophobia is real and has existed throughout history. But innovation prevails.

In law enforcement, there exists a paradox. We have traditionally been resistant to change or anything that makes us “uncomfortable,” yet at the same time seem to make an artform out of voicing complaints for lack of change.

Law enforcement leaders, real leaders- those who effect change and positive disruption in their agencies as opposed to just keeping the status quo- will embrace AI in policing.

Now let me explain why departments and municipalities should not fear or resist this technology. Early on I learned skills in prompt writing. It only added another tool on the “duty” belt but did not replace the duty belt.

AI will not replace police officers. It will, as I like to refer to it, “upskill” them. It will allow them to do their jobs more effectively and efficiently. Thereby saving time and financial resources that can be used to prevent crime and disorder and provide the necessary services to their communities.

When I consult, I ask law enforcement administrators to look at jobs and divide them into two categories. The first is those that are repetitive or can be defined by checklists, these are tasks that may be more appropriate for AI to take a greater role in completing. The next category is ideation jobs and have to do with decision making. These are jobs that will never be replaced by AI.

AI simply exists to enhance these tasks, to allow more correct and appropriate options for the officer who is the final decision maker. AI delivers answers consistently and reliably based on the data that the agency leadership deems appropriate based on current laws and ordinances, internal rules, and regulations, and most importantly its mission and values. All delivered with the courtesy and empathy appropriate for the circumstance.  

Minimized legal liability by ensuring compliance and up-to-date legal knowledge, AI can help avoid costly legal mistakes or violations. AI in law enforcement isn't a concept of science fiction; it's a reality that's reshaping how law enforcement operates.

From predictive policing to facial recognition, AI technologies have been employed to aid in crime prevention, investigation, and community policing. Predictive policing uses AI algorithms to analyze vast amounts of data, identifying potential crime hotspots. This proactive approach allows law enforcement agencies to allocate resources more effectively, preventing crime before it happens. Cities utilizing this have already seen reductions in crime rates through predictive policing initiatives.

AI-powered tools are revolutionizing administrative tasks in law enforcement. Automated report writing can significantly reduce the time officers spend on paperwork, allowing them to focus more on fieldwork.

I have demonstrated examples of AI such as automating drafting press releases, social media updates, crime patterns, and community alerts. This not only boosts productivity but also accelerates the process of crime reporting, documentation, and information sharing among agencies and the public. AI also allows for the quality of the information in those reports to be expressed clearly and concisely.

Investigations often involve combing through mountains of data. From public records, to subpoena and search warrant returns. AI can analyze this data more rapidly and accurately than humanly possible, uncovering critical insights that can lead to solving cases faster. AI can recognize patterns and anomalies in data, from financial transactions to communication records, providing detectives with actionable leads sooner. These patterns, connections, and insights might be missed by human analysis alone.

Facial and vehicle recognition technology has been a game-changer in identifying suspects. However, it raises valid concerns regarding privacy and the potential for misuse. Responsible and ethical use of this technology, with proper oversight, is crucial for maintaining public trust and faith in law enforcement.

AI is not limited to crime fighting. It's also being used in traffic management, analyzing traffic patterns to improve road safety, and reduce congestion. Automated license plate recognition systems help in identifying stolen vehicles and traffic violators, enhancing overall road safety. Only it can be done in real time, not waiting for data to be collated and reviewed and then interpreted and finally disseminated.

AI-powered simulation platforms offer realistic, scenario-based training for officers. These simulations can be tailored to various situations, from de-escalation tactics to high-risk operations, providing officers with a safe environment to hone their skills. In pressure situations we fall back to our training. With AI we can now train more often and with a more diverse set of scenarios with less cost.
 
AI tools can assist law enforcement agencies in engaging with the community more effectively. Chatbots and AI-assisted communication platforms can provide quick responses to public inquiries, improving transparency and trust between the police and the community.
The deployment of AI in law enforcement isn't without challenges.

Concerns around privacy, potential biases in AI algorithms, and the need for transparency are paramount. Establishing robust ethical guidelines and oversight mechanisms is essential for the responsible use of AI in policing.

The AI technology space will be hitting a growth phase as more and more players enter the market, its role in law enforcement will continue to evolve finding practical applications we are only limited by our own imaginations. The future will see AI-assisted crime scene analysis, autonomous drones for surveillance and search operations, and even AI in forensic analysis. But they must be carefully implemented with a focus on ethical implications and community impact.

Another consideration for integrating AI into policing is the next generation of officers. These officers are already conditioned to “just Google it”, “Hey Siri,” or “Alexa” in seeking information.

My prediction is this will happen much sooner than anyone imagines. AI holds the potential to transform law enforcement in ways that were once unimaginable. By enhancing public safety, streamlining operations, and fostering community trust, AI can support law enforcement agencies in their vital mission.

However, this journey must be guided by those who have experience with policing and the ability to make the connections of the tasks that not only can be assisted by AI but ask the question should they be. With a commitment to ethical standards, transparency, and the protection of civil liberties. As we embrace the possibilities of AI, let's do so with a vision of creating a safer, more just society for all.

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Neal McLoughlin through NobleNerds has established OSINT training programs, AI protocols and recently formed Law Enforcement Large Language Model (lawenforcement.llm.com) which consults with public and private organizations in developing their AI strategy, resources, and implementation. He can be contacted at neal@noblenerds.org.