AI Model Policy for Police

A Model Policy for the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence by Police Agencies

At this point, literally everyone has heard of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) tools like CHatGPT, Copilot or Gemini. These tools are a form of GAI called large language models (LLM). LLMs are proving themselves to be extremely useful. In day-to-day uses like crafting documents or creating images, LLMs tools are demonstrating the huge potential for time-saving and dramatic qualitative increases.

There are now a wide breadth of justifications for police agencies to authorize the use of GAI tool by their employees. By using them, users can create documents or images in a fraction of the time traditional methods take. For instance, a staff report that used to take 4-6 hours to write and edit can be done in just minutes using a LLM.

It is our hope that this policy will facilitate the safe and responsible use of AI by policing. AI holds the promise of incredible benefits. However, without fully understanding the rapidly evolving field of GAI, policing could easily find that this beneficial technology actually harms the relationship the police have with the very people they are paid to protect.

Without a set of guidelines that establishes clear guardrails for the use of these powerful tools, it is only a matter of time before cops get themselves into big trouble through their inadequate understanding of how LLMs work, what their limitations are, and where their pitfalls can produce career-ending results for well-intending officers.

The use of police AI must be accompanied by the laser-like focus of police leaders on AI use. This is critical today, but will be increasingly so in the near future as AI technology leaps forward. We view this policy as our contribution to the technological aspect of policing that is effective, empathetic and just.

This AI Model Policy is intended to help police agencies develop policy for their members to safely and responsibly use generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, Claude or other large language models (LLMs). Agencies are free to download it and modify it to suit their specific needs. To access this policy you can either click here or go to the website’s Resources page and scroll down to the AI section. There you will find other AI-related documents, infographics and tools to help implement LLMs in a safe and responsible manner.