Artificial intelligence (AI) has become increasingly prevalent in policing, impacting the way we approach crime prevention, investigations, and community safety. AI technology and its applications have the potential to substantially impact our departments, our officers, and our communities.

But, similar to the adoption of any new technology, it will require careful implementation and thoughtful decision-making from police leadership.

One of the most significant ways AI is impacting policing is through the use of predictive analytics. Using advanced algorithms and machine learning, AI can analyze vast amounts of data to identify patterns and trends to predict where crimes are likely to occur. This predictive policing approach enables law enforcement agencies to allocate resources more effectively, deploy officers to high-risk areas, and potentially prevent crimes before they happen. By leveraging AI-powered predictive analytics, police departments can proactively address crime hot spots, reduce response times, and improve overall public safety.

Moreover, AI-powered technologies such as facial recognition software have revolutionized the way agencies investigate and solve crimes. Facial recognition technology enables police officers to identify individuals quickly and accurately by comparing their facial features with a database of known faces. This technology has played a role in solving cold cases, locating missing persons, and apprehending suspects in a timely manner.

In addition, AI is playing a crucial role in improving the efficiency of evidence analysis and crime scene investigation. Advanced forensic technologies powered by AI are able to process and analyze large volumes of digital evidence, such as surveillance footage, DNA samples, and mobile phone data, in a fraction of the time it would take human analysts to do so. This not only speeds up the investigative process but also ensures a higher level of accuracy and reliability in identifying and linking evidence to suspects.

AI is also revolutionizing the field of crime analysis and intelligence gathering. Advanced AI algorithms can sift through vast amounts of data from various sources, including social media, public records, and law enforcement databases, to uncover valuable insights and patterns that may have otherwise gone unnoticed. By harnessing the power of AI for crime analysis, police departments can better understand criminal behavior, predict future crime trends, and allocate resources strategically to combat emerging threats.

Despite the many benefits that AI brings to policing, its widespread adoption has raised concerns about privacy, bias, and ethics. Concerns have been raised about the potential misuse of AI-powered surveillance technologies, such as facial recognition, and the infringement of civil liberties. Moreover, AI algorithms are only as good as the data they are trained on, which can result in biased outcomes and discriminatory practices if the training datasets are not diverse and representative.

As police leaders, it is our responsibility to address these concerns and ensure that AI technologies are deployed responsibly, ethically, and in a manner that upholds the principles of transparency, fairness, and accountability. It is also imperative that we ensure that we are not relying on technology alone. A key requirement of police use of technology is ensuring that all machine outputs are reviewed, questioned, and verified by qualified human oversight.

Combining machine computing with human police investigative techniques serves to increase the probability that police will correctly identify the perpetrator of a crime. Automation with human collaboration can lead to improved accuracy and reduced bias—and using a careful balance of output and outcome evaluation, can help increase the public’s trust in police use of technology.

AI has the potential to enhance our agencies to better serve and protect our communities.

It is essential that, as our profession moves forward with AI, we do so with clear internal policies, strong leadership oversight, and disciplined methodologies. It is crucial to remember that the output or outcome of any data set or algorithm can be only as good and reliable as the data inputs.

It is clear that AI has the potential to impact the future of policing in profound ways, from predictive analytics and facial recognition to evidence analysis and officer training. AI has the potential to enhance our capabilities, improve our efficiency, and empower our agencies to better serve and protect our communities. By embracing AI technologies and leveraging their potential in a responsible, ethical, and well-thought-out manner, police departments have the opportunity to continue to advance their mission of ensuring public safety, combating crime, and protecting the public. d

Please cite as

Wade Carpenter, “AI’s Transformative Impact,” President’s Message, Police Chief 91, no. 4 (April 2024): 6–7.