The Heber City Police Department is piloting AI software to enhance police report efficiency and minimize time spent on paperwork. With two different software options being tested, the initiative aims to improve operational effectiveness while navigating potential ethical concerns.
The Heber City Police Department is testing innovative artificial intelligence software designed to streamline police report generation based on body camera footage. This initiative aligns with a broader trend among law enforcement agencies seeking to enhance operational efficiency and reduce the time officers spend on paperwork.
In late October, Police Chief Parker Sever disclosed details to the City Council about the AI tools being used, drawing inspiration from neighboring agencies. One anecdote shared involved a report from the West Jordan Police Department that mentioned fantastical elements like an officer turning into a frog, illustrating the potential pitfalls of AI-generated content in capturing real events accurately. Despite these occasional inaccuracies, the technology represents a significant shift toward automation in policing.
The Heber City department is currently piloting two AI tools: Draft One by Axon, a well-established leader in law enforcement technology, and Code Four, a startup created by young MIT dropouts. Officers during weekdays are testing Draft One, while weekend officers use Code Four. Both trials are slated to conclude in January, with the police department focusing on evaluating the effectiveness and practicality of these systems.
The primary benefit of these AI tools lies in their potential to save valuable time, as studies suggest that officers spend around 40% of their working hours on report writing. Sergeant Josh Weishar, who has exclusively utilized Draft One, noted that AI-generated reports often provide more comprehensive details than those typically created by officers under time pressure.
Each software allows customization of the level of detail in reports, supporting both English and Spanish capturing instances. However, Draft One functions primarily from audio data, while Code Four utilizes both audio and video elements to create reports. The ongoing pilot incorporates essential checks to maintain accuracy and integrity, requiring officers to review and edit AI-generated drafts before submission.
The potential annual costs for the chosen software are significant, with Draft One estimated at around $30,000, whereas Code Four could cost the department between $6,000 and $8,000 per year. Given the budget constraints, there is a lean towards adopting Code Four if it proves capable of delivering thorough reports at a lower price. External opinions regarding AI report generation are mixed, weighing the efficiency gains against concerns about ethical implications and the reliability of the technology.
Overall, Heber City Police's initiative represents a critical exploration into the future of law enforcement operations, balancing technology's benefits with the need for accuracy and accountability in policing.