The Honolulu Police Department is exploring the use of artificial intelligence to assist in the drafting of police reports, per discussions at a recent Police Commission meeting. Interim Chief Rade Vanic introduced the concept, suggesting that AI could potentially decrease the considerable amount of time officers spend typing up reports, particularly in low-priority cases with no clear suspect such as overnight vehicle break-ins. This proposal arrives amidst debates concerning the role of technology in policing practices and the integrity of criminal justice documentation.
Vanic emphasized that the adoption of AI would not entirely replace human involvement in the report-writing process. He explained to KHON2, “They still have to enter headings, they still have to have human input, not just completely, ‘That’s your report.’ It’s just they wouldn’t have to write it from scratch.” Moreover, officers would have to learn to provide audio prompts to guide the AI in capturing the necessary information accurately. Despite these reassurances, some, including the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers (SHOPO) President Nick Schlapak, have expressed profound concerns over potential errors and biases inherent in AI technologies.
The use of AI for these purposes is linked to Axon, HPD's body camera vendor, which offers technology that can synthesize audio and visual data from cameras into draft reports in seconds. However, SHOPO's Schlapak stresses the accuracy standards law enforcement officers are held to, reasoning, “Rushing in to change the way that police evidence is handled is an incredibly reckless decision that puts prosecutions at risk, officers’ jobs in jeopardy, and our department’s reputation on the line. The undisputed truth is that AI makes factual errors—all the time. A police report influenced by AI is every criminal defense attorney’s dream," as stated in a press release obtained by KHON2. His statement underpins a broader skepticism regarding the reliability of AI in legal proceedings and the necessity for rigorous oversight.
Despite such concerns, proponents see AI as a tool that can help bridge gaps in efficiency, with Vanic suggesting it to be utilized initially for simple, low-level reports. "If we can use technology through body-worn cameras, through artificial intelligence, to help an officer do his or her job easier," Vanic told Civil Beat, "why not? Let's do it." Nevertheless, the push for AI integration has not gone unchallenged. Wookie Kim of the ACLU of Hawaiʻi highlighted AI's potential flaws and limitations to Civil Beat, including biases and the inability to grasp the context known to officers at the scene.
While the Honolulu Police Department hasn't finalized plans for the implementation of AI in report writing, Vanic outlined a vision for a pilot project to commence as early as the end of 2025 or the following spring. The department also acknowledges the need for community input and stakeholder consultation before moving forward.
