Truleo, a proprietary software, is leading the way in innovation by scanning police-worn body cameras to analyze both problematic and commendable behavior and interactions. Adam Scott Wandt, Associate Professor of Public Policy at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, explains that Truleo utilizes AI algorithms to transcribe speech, evaluate video footage, and identify patterns, resulting in a professionalism score for police officers. This valuable information helps officers gain insights into their behavior during specific incidents. Truleo is dedicated to assisting the NYPD in highlighting positive community interactions, highlighting the potential benefits of this technology. However, this comes at a considerable cost of $50 per officer, which amounts to a staggering $1. 5 million per month for the large NYPD. "Reviewing all the body camera footage captured by police daily would be impossible for humans. In fact, most of the footage remains unseen unless there's a complaint or a necessary review, " Wandt acknowledges. Truleo was first implemented by the Paterson, New Jersey police department, with the hope that it can serve as an insurance policy and a valuable training tool. Nevertheless, some watchdog groups have expressed concerns about potential misuse of AI, particularly regarding privacy and surveillance.

S. T. O. P. 's communication director, Will Owen, points out that combining body cameras with artificial intelligence, Truleo has the potential to capture sensitive personal information during police interactions, such as addresses or license numbers. The collection and use of this information as a surveillance tool raises significant concerns. The Police Benevolent Association (PBA) has reservations as well, with PBA President Patrick Hendry stating that the department should discuss the pilot program with them before implementation. The PBA has serious questions about the impact on officer privacy and the fairness of the disciplinary process. New York City police officers already face intense scrutiny, and burdening them with AI surveillance is not expected to help with recruitment or retention challenges. Stay up to date with all the essential news, every day.