The battle against misinformation and disinformation campaigns: Is your police department prepared?

Misinformation and disinformation are increasingly weaponized, often by state-sponsored actors, leading to public unrest that demands police intervention.

In a recent article for Police1, FPI Fellow Dr. Joseph Lestrange discussed how the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced social media platforms has significantly amplified the spread of misinformation and disinformation, posing critical challenges for police agencies. Malicious actors can easily craft and disseminate false narratives, deepfakes, and misleading content, which undermine public trust in the police, fuel hostility, and heighten risks to officer safety. Such distortions not only disrupt police operations but also lead to unjust outcomes and exacerbate societal divisions.

Misinformation (unintentional false information) and disinformation (deliberate deception) are increasingly weaponized, often by state-sponsored actors, leading to public unrest that demands police intervention. For instance, during the 2023 Hamas-Israel conflict, fake videos circulated widely, misrepresenting events and triggering protests based on false premises. Similarly, the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol was fueled by disinformation about election fraud, highlighting how easily social media can polarize opinion and complicate law enforcement's role in maintaining public order and impartiality.

It is vitally important that policing employ proactive strategies to combat these challenges. Lestrange encourages police leaders to establish specialized Misinformation/Disinformation Units within their departments to identify and counter false information effectively. These units would fact-check claims, develop counter-narratives to restore community trust, and educate officers on recognizing and responding to misinformation, ensuring they do not inadvertently contribute to its spread. Training programs can reinforce the importance of impartial decision-making and the potential impacts of false information on policing.

By building robust communication channels and enhancing transparency both internally and with the public, policing can mitigate the effects of misinformation and disinformation. Collaboration with technology companies and civil society organizations can further strengthen these efforts. Such initiatives are crucial for preserving public trust, ensuring officer safety, and maintaining effective policing in an era increasingly influenced by AI-assisted digital communications.

To read Dr. Lestrange’s full article in Police1 click here.