Milwaukee Police Department Explores Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence

The Milwaukee Police Department continues to examine generative artificial intelligence technologies capable of generating draft reports from body camera audio recordings. While not yet in active use, the system faces accuracy and bias concerns from civil rights advocates and legal experts.

Artificial Intelligence and Police Reports

The Milwaukee Police Department is evaluating the use of generative artificial intelligence as part of its forward-looking policies. Although the technology is not yet in use, assisting officers in writing police reports is among the potential areas of application.

Axon and the Draft One System

Axon, the company that provides the department's body cameras, offers a product called Draft One that generates draft police reports using camera audio. It is noted that such emerging technologies could create various problems for accused citizens.

Concerns of Civil Rights Advocates

Amanda Merkwae, policy and advocacy director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin, highlighted the risks of errors, hallucinations, and bias. Experts argue that this technology could generate adverse impacts in criminal cases.

Policy Published in January

MPD published its policy regulating generative artificial intelligence in January. This policy mandates that AI-generated materials be treated as drafts, reviewed for accuracy, and explicitly identified in the final product.

Prosecution and Expert Opinions

Deputy District Attorney Jeffrey Altenburg and Assistant District Attorney Matthew Torbenson from the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office stated that with sufficient human oversight, the technology could be a useful tool. Connor Romenesko from the Wisconsin State Public Defender's Office warned that rushed reviews could lead to serious problems.