A new bill in Utah is sparking significant debate about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the drafting of police reports. The proposal, known as S.B. 180, will be presented to the full Senate and mandates that law enforcement agencies disclose whether a report has been wholly or partially generated using generative AI. Additionally, it will require police agencies to develop specific policies regarding the use of this technology, including the requirement to indicate in reports when AI was used.
The introduction of this legislation comes in response to the increasing adoption of AI software in law enforcement. An example of this is Axon, a leading company in police technology, which has introduced a product called Draft One. This system uses audio from body cameras to facilitate report writing. However, privacy advocates and civil rights defenders have expressed concerns, arguing that a simple disclaimer in reports is not enough to protect the public from the risks associated with the use of AI in this context.
One of the main challenges lies in AI’s ability to correctly understand human language. Experts have warned that, similar to online content moderation, these systems may struggle with interpreting dialects, slang, and metaphors, which could lead to errors that distort the content of reports, especially in critical situations.
Furthermore, the use of AI in report writing could blur the responsibility of officers. In situations where a report contains exaggerated or false information, an officer could excuse themselves by claiming that any errors are attributable to AI, creating a disconnect that jeopardizes accountability and the search for truth in criminal investigations.
Due to the lack of supervision and regulation in the advancement of this technology, some jurisdictions are already taking action. For example, in King County, Washington, prosecutors have asked officers to avoid using AI to draft police reports, out of concern that this could impact the criminal justice system.
With these concerns in mind, the discussion about the use of AI in policing underscores the urgent need for greater transparency. As technology continues to develop, it is likely that other states will also consider similar legislation to regulate its implementation in the police and judicial realms.
via: MiMub in Spanish
