Practical Uses of AI in Policing
In policing, there are many promises and speculations about what artificial intelligence (AI) can do. Here, we’ll cut through the hype and focus on three actionable use cases where AI can make a real difference.
Basic Use Case: Enhancing Training Programs through AI-Powered Training Materials
AI tools like ChatGPT can transform police training by making it more interactive and engaging. AI in policing can generate realistic scenarios or summarize complex research into concise, actionable bullet points, making it easier for officers to understand and apply new information.
Example Prompt:
“Imagine you are a police sergeant tasked with presenting a new general order to your team. What are the key points to communicate in a clear, energetic way? Here is the content of the order: …”
Advanced Use Case: Automating Content Creation
More advanced AI services can automate the creation of training content. With the help of IT departments, agencies can use AI to generate quizzes, tests, summaries, slides, and even videos to enhance the training experience.
Example Use Cases:
• Create quizzes and tests to ensure comprehension.
• Generate slides, summaries, or study notes.
• Produce training videos and voiceovers for easy consumption.
Improving Internal Transparency and Search with AI
AI can also be a game-changer for internal communication by making policies and procedures more straightforward to access and understand. By using AI to develop advanced search tools, agencies can turn every officer into a policy expert.
Case Study: AI-Driven Policy Search Tools
I’ve developed several tools that allow officers to search and interact with department policies more efficiently. These tools make it easy to find relevant information without sifting through hundreds of pages or clicking on dozens of links.
Example:
An AI policy search tool can understand queries even when specific terms aren’t used. For instance, searching for “Taser” would yield results related to “Conducted Electrical Weapon (CEW)” if that’s the term used in the policy.
Such tools not only streamline daily operations but also prove invaluable during processes like departmental accreditation.
Enhancing Problem-Solving Capabilities
AI in policing can significantly enhance problem-solving in public safety by offering new perspectives and solutions. Here are a few ways AI can be integrated into the problem-solving process:
Critiquing Ideas: Use AI to get unbiased feedback on new initiatives.
Example Prompt: “Our department is launching a ‘Coffee with a Cop’ program. List five potential criticisms of this initiative.”
Researching Solutions: AI can help quickly identify relevant articles or case studies that might offer new insights into a problem.
Workshopping Responses: AI can assist in brainstorming and refining responses to various challenges, providing suggestions that might not have been considered.
Advancing creative thinking: Generative AI is like an ever-ready assistant that can challenge conventional thinking and offer innovative solutions without bias or fatigue. It helps break the cycle of “We’ve always done it this way” by providing fresh, objective insights.
Final Thoughts on AI in Policing
Generative AI in policing is a force multiplier, capable of enhancing training, improving transparency, and aiding in problem-solving. By embracing these technologies, departments can work smarter and change for the positive.
About the author: Michael Zidar, PhD is an Assistant Professor in the School of Information Technology at the University of Cincinnati. He is also an independent information technology consultant. He is the former IT Innovation Manager for the City of Boulder, CO.