Police can use AI-based tips as part of a broader investigative process, but they should not rely on them as the sole source of evidence. AI-generated clues, like phone pings, often come with uncertainty and lack context. Without human validation, there's a high risk of error and unjust outcomes. Safe use of such tips requires rigorous verification, cross-checking with other evidence, and a clear understanding of the technology’s limitations.
To make AI-informed actions more human-centric, law enforcement must:
Verify data before acting, especially when it could lead to forceful intervention.
Implement safeguards to ensure that AI outputs are interpreted with caution.
Train officers and analysts to question AI results and understand their limitations.
Include empathy and ethical considerations, recognizing that behind every data point is a human life.
Create channels for individuals to challenge AI-driven errors and be heard if wrongly impacted.
AI and data tools can enhance policing, but should be used responsibly, prioritizing human lives, empathy, ethical thinking, and due process, ensuring AI serves humanity without harm.