In the United States, a new technology called Draft One is revolutionizing the way police reports are created. This AI tool, developed by Axon, uses OpenAI’s GPT-4 Turbo model to transcribe audio from police body cameras and automatically generate a police report. The CEO of Axon, Rick Smith, explains that police officers can then review the document for accuracy, saving them valuable time. Early testers, like the Fort Collins Police Department in Colorado, reported an 82 percent decrease in time spent writing reports.
However, concerns have been raised about the use of AI-generated reports as evidence in criminal trials. Critics worry about the AI’s ability to correctly interpret language and identify potential biases, especially in cases involving sensitive issues like race. Dave Maass of the Electronic Frontier Foundation highlighted the risks of AI-generated reports influencing decisions in the criminal justice system.
Axon is cautious about the use of Draft One for serious incidents, such as police shootings, where crucial information could be missed. While some police departments are using the tool for minor crimes, others are also using it for more significant incidents, including use-of-force cases. Axon does not have control over how individual departments choose to utilize the technology, emphasizing the importance of proper oversight and training for law enforcement personnel.