'Not Just Another Tool' Report on Public Perceptions of AI in Law Enforcement

People who trust their police forces are more likely to support them in relying on artificial intelligence, says the report produced by UNICRI's Centre for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics in partnership with the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) and with the financial support of the European Union.

The report titled "Not Just Another Tool" offers insights into global public perceptions of AI application in policing. It is based on a comprehensive survey conducted from November 2022 to June 2023 that collected responses from 670 individuals across six continents, encompassing diverse demographics.

Trust emerged as a central theme in the survey responses. While half of the respondents expressed trust in both the police and AI systems, trust in AI surpassed trust in the police. The survey highlights the importance of transparency, human oversight, and robust legal and ethical frameworks. Public education, clear communication about AI's applications and safeguards are deemed critical to building acceptance.

The report "Not Just Another Tool" is part of broader efforts of UNICRI to develop a framework for law enforcement agencies to adopt AI responsibly, safeguarding human rights and public trust as part of its Toolkit for Responsible AI Innovation in Law Enforcement. Key findings reveal a nuanced public attitude towards AI in policing, characterised by cautious optimism and significant ethical concerns. While there is general support for AI in investigating serious crimes, the public remains wary of its use in predictive policing and real-time decision-making due to privacy and discrimination concerns.

The findings stress the need for collaboration between law enforcement, policymakers, and the public to ensure that AI is used responsibly in upholding justice, fairness, and accountability. The report encourages ongoing public engagement and further surveys to track evolving perceptions, ensuring that AI integration aligns with societal values and expectations. The report serves as a call to action for adopting ethical AI practices in law enforcement, balancing innovation with integrity and trust.

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