Research shows how AI and mixed reality can enhance police work

Researchers at Umeå University have investigated how AI and mixed reality can assist police officers in real-time decision-making during complex situations. The interdisciplinary collaboration between police research and computing science focused on assessing the opportunities and risks of integrating AI-based interactive systems into police work. The study, published in the Journal of Artificial Intelligence Research, involved a multistage project with 39 police officers and instructors from Sweden and Catalonia.

Microsoft HoloLens was used to project digital information directly into the police officers' field of view, allowing it to be controlled through eye movements and voice commands. The technology can help identify objects and potential risks, making it a potential tool for identifying and responding to threats during police interventions.

In a simulated high-risk vehicle stop, participants rated AI-supported mixed reality positively for usefulness, ease of use, and trustworthiness. However, the study also identified potential ethical risks related to privacy, data storage, transparency, and algorithmic bias. The researchers emphasized the importance of ensuring that these systems remain trustworthy, transparent, and ethically designed to be used responsibly.

The key conclusion is that the technology must not fully replace human decision-making, but instead support police officers in making decisions. The researchers recommend training for police officers to critically assess the implications of AI systems and to understand the potential risks associated with their use. The study highlights the need for further research to develop tools that can help decision-makers and the police assess risks when AI systems are procured and implemented, ensuring that such systems are introduced effectively while adhering to ethical principles.