Police use AI chatbot Draft One for crime reports in Oklahoma City

The implementation of Draft One has raised both interest and concern. While proponents argue that it could alleviate the burden of paperwork on officers, enabling them to focus more on policing, experts caution about potential pitfalls. Issues such as accuracy, human oversight, and the risk of perpetuating biases inherent in AI models are significant considerations. According to Axon, Draft One is currently limited to minor incidents, with human officers required to review and approve all reports to ensure accountability. However, the technology has been paused in Oklahoma City to address legal and procedural concerns with the district attorney’s office, reflecting the complexities surrounding the integration of AI in law enforcement.

Benefits of AI in Policing

• Efficiency: Draft One is designed to significantly reduce the time officers spend on paperwork, potentially allowing them to focus more on active policing.
• Standardization: The use of AI could lead to more consistent reporting, as it can standardize language and formatting across reports.

Concerns and Challenges

• Accuracy and Hallucinations: AI-generated reports may contain inaccuracies or misleading information, a phenomenon known as “AI hallucinations.” This raises concerns about the integrity of reports used in legal contexts.
• Human Oversight: The requirement for human review is intended to mitigate risks, but it also leaves room for human error and bias, which are already prevalent in policing practices.
• Bias in AI: Studies indicate that AI models can reflect and perpetuate existing societal biases, raising concerns about fairness in policing, particularly regarding marginalized communities.

Current Status and Future Implications

The use of Draft One is currently on hold in Oklahoma City while the police department works through legal considerations with the district attorney’s office. Other departments, however, are actively using the technology, leading to discussions about its broader implications for law enforcement practices and public safety. The conversation around AI in policing continues to evolve, highlighting the need for careful implementation and ongoing scrutiny.