Most police body camera footage goes unseen; AI is changing that
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Police departments across the country are facing renewed attention and scrutiny following the brutal killing of Tyre Nichols by five former Memphis police officers. While early warning systems to prevent police misconduct have been widely criticized as ineffective, some departments are turning to artificial intelligence as a solution.
Chicago-based Truleo developed its AI early-warning system after the murder of George Floyd, and now more than a dozen police departments across the country are using it.
“Most departments watch and review less than 1 percent of the videos,” said Anthony Tassone, one of Truleo’s co-founders.
AI technology can ensure that all the data captured by police body cameras is reviewed and analyzed, he said.
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“We transcribe and mine hundreds of thousands of hours of police body camera videos to try to figure out: Is there risk being created? Do we have officers using insults, threats and profanity? Or do we have officers who are doing a great job?”
The technology also recognizes events such as use of force, frisking and pursuits. The goal is to identify patterns that will lead to early intervention and prevention of police misconduct.
“Good policing sounds like explanation,” Tessone said.
Editor’s note: The city of Minneapolis is in the process of finding a new police early warning system after receiving funding to do so in 2021. A spokesperson said it is not considering Truleo at this time.
To hear the full conversation with Truleo co-founder Anthony Tassone, click play on the audio player above.