Generative AI and its Role in Police Work

• In Event: Policing and Technology

Abstract

This study is the first survey of US police practitioners on their use of generative artificial intelligence. It aims to shed light on the prevalence of generative AI use in US policing, the purposes for which it is used by various police officials, and the predictors of and barriers to using generative AI by the police. In addition to the survey informed by the Unified Technology Acceptance and Use Theory (UTAUT), this study uses qualitative interviews with police practitioners aiming to explain the findings from the quantitative questionnaire. It demonstrates that despite a very small number of agencies having a formal policy on the use of generative AI and/or providing formal training on the use of generative AI, police officials take advantage of AI's capabilities for self-education and administrative tasks not related to crime investigations.

Author

• Stan Korotchenko, Tarleton State University