AI TAKES OVER CRITIQUING POLICE BODYCAM FOOTAGE AS HUMAN REVIEWERS STRUGGLE TO KEEP UP
The future of law enforcement is gradually unfolding, as Artificial Intelligence (AI) now sifts through the terabytes of police bodycam videos, hitherto a daunting task for humans. Consequently, the ability to assess and evaluate officer interactions with the public is experiencing a paradigm shift. But with the widespread adoption of AI in this regard, certain crucial questions arise about the potential benefits and pitfalls of such technology.
Supporters of AI's growing use in policing point to the vast volume of data gathered from bodycams that require an inordinate amount of manpower to accurately assess. With AI, the analysis of these videos is expedited, providing a comprehensive review of officers' procedures during encounters with the public.
The AI system Truleo is becoming increasingly pervasive, providing automated transcript analysis of interactions within bodycam videos. Used by 30 police agencies, including the New York Police Department, Truleo facilitates detailed evaluations of officer actions, identifying unprofessional behavior or language, while also highlighting commendable performances.
The system's proponents argue that Truleo has had a positive impact on professionalism, attributing reductions in unprofessional behavior and increases in highly professional interactions to its implementation. However, this technological advancement comes with weighty financial considerations, with some departments, like Alameda, shelling out as much as $36,000 annually for its use.
Despite Truleo's tangible potential benefits, its implementation hasn't been a smooth sail. Concerns have arisen regarding privacy and the need for union involvement in the program's deployment. The New York Civil Liberties Union raised concerns about the lack of public oversight and the potential for its misuse. These challenges underscore significant potential barriers to full-scale implementation of AI such as Truleo in law enforcement.
Another vital consideration is the impact of AI oversight on genuine behavior change among officers. Critics argue that the implementation of such systems could lead to officers merely conforming to the expectations of the AI, rather than genuinely improving their actions and attitudes.
The use of AI in law enforcement processes presents a conundrum of sorts. While it promises an efficient solution to navigating a sea of video data and encourages professionalism, it also sparks legitimate concerns regarding privacy, invasion by policy, and genuine behavior change. As technology continues to evolve, so too must our conversation and policies that govern its use in our society. This dialogue offers an opportunity for reform and consideration in the race to reconcile advanced technology with the timeless call for justice and responsibility in law enforcement.