AI Now Reviews Police Bodycam Footage: A New Era for Law Enforcement

With the rapid adoption of police body cameras across the United States, millions of hours of footage are recorded each year—far more than human reviewers can handle. Now, artificial intelligence is stepping in to analyze this vast amount of data, providing insights and oversight that were previously out of reach.

AI’s Role in Understanding Police Interactions

Researchers like Jennifer Eberhardt, a psychology professor at Stanford, are using AI to study police behavior in traffic stops. Her team analyzed nearly 600 videos from the Oakland Police Department, using AI to predict outcomes based on the first 27 seconds of an encounter. The findings revealed that interactions were more likely to escalate when officers began by issuing commands rather than explaining the reason for the stop.

AI Supervision in Police Departments

Some police departments are also using AI to evaluate individual officer performance. The Alameda Police Department, for example, employs a system called Truleo, which analyzes bodycam footage to assess officers’ professionalism during interactions. This AI tool can flag problematic behavior and highlight instances of exemplary conduct, like members of the public swearing at the officer and the officer remaining professional, helping supervisors provide feedback and recognition.

The $36,000 annual cost is a worthwhile investment. Larger departments pay higher fees, and Truleo reports that 30 police agencies, including the New York Police Department, are now using the service.

The Impact of AI on Officer Behavior

A recent study led by Ian Adams at the University of South Carolina found that Truleo’s use significantly influenced officer behavior. In Aurora, Colorado, the system reduced incidents of low professionalism, while in Richland County, South Carolina, it nearly doubled the rate of highly professional interactions. Despite concerns about being monitored by AI, many officers appreciated the system’s impartiality.

Challenges and Concerns with AI Monitoring

Not all departments have embraced AI oversight smoothly. The Seattle Police Department’s attempt to implement Truleo faced backlash from the officers’ union, which claimed the tool was introduced without proper consultation by the union. While the contract was eventually canceled, Seattle's City Council allocated $250,000 for Truleo to be used by the police, but the department has not renewed the contract. The controversy highlights the need for clear policies and communication when deploying AI in sensitive environments.

The Future of AI in Policing

As AI becomes more integrated into law enforcement, questions remain about its impact on officer behavior. While some argue that AI can improve professionalism and accountability, others worry that officers might “game” the system by catering to the software’s criteria without genuinely changing their approach. This raises important philosophical and ethical questions about the use of technology in policing.

Navigating a New Era of Accountability

AI tools like Truleo are reshaping the way police departments monitor and evaluate their officers. As this technology evolves, it will be crucial to balance the benefits of increased oversight with the need for transparency and trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.