Balancing benefits and risks of AI use
Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a valuable tool for police forces worldwide, but questions arise about whether the advantages always outweigh the risks.
In a simulated emergency call scenario with Humberside Police, an AI system by UK start-up Untrite AI processed a domestic abuse call. The AI quickly retrieved information about the abuser, including a gun license, prompting swift police response.
Untrite reports that the trial suggests its software could save operators nearly a third of their time, making emergency call handling more efficient. Similar AI-powered emergency call systems are being developed by companies like Corti and Carbyne.
While AI holds potential to transform crime investigations, concerns about missteps have arisen. Facial recognition technology, powered by AI, has faced criticism for inaccuracies, particularly in identifying faces of black individuals.
Albert Cahn of the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project voices concern over the widespread use of facial recognition despite evidence of discrimination. Testing by the UK’s National Physical Laboratory highlighted improved accuracy but noted a higher likelihood of false positive identification for black faces.
As police forces consider integrating AI, ethical evaluations and independent testing, as exemplified by West Midlands Police’s ethics committee, become essential for responsible implementation. The committee, chaired by Prof Marion Oswald, emphasises the need for rigorous analysis to ensure the validity of new tech tools.
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