AI Disclosure in Police Reports: How States and Federal Policies Are Shaping Accountability
- Oludare Ogunlana
- Oct 8
- 2 min read
The Rise of AI in Policing
Artificial intelligence is changing how police agencies work. Officers now use AI tools to draft reports, match faces, and track vehicles. These tools save time but raise concerns about accuracy and fairness. States are starting to pass laws to make sure AI use stays transparent.
Utah Leads with SB 180
Utah became the first state to require police to disclose AI use in official reports. Under SB 180, if a report is written using AI, it must include a clear disclaimer. The officer must review the report and sign a certification of accuracy. This step ensures that AI-generated content does not misrepresent facts. It also helps the public trust what is written in police records.
California’s Push for Transparency: SB 524
California lawmakers are close to passing SB 524, one of the nation’s most detailed AI laws for law enforcement. The bill would require:
A disclosure on each page of a police report written with AI.
Storage of the first AI-generated draft for accountability.
Vendor transparency to prevent misuse of sensitive data.
California’s bill grew from concerns about tools like Axon’s Draft One, which creates reports from body-camera audio. Advocates say officers must always review and verify AI-generated reports before submission.
Federal Oversight and AI Accountability
The U.S. government is also watching. The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) requires all federal agencies using AI—including law enforcement—to publish annual AI inventories and perform risk assessments. These steps push agencies toward responsible AI use while maintaining civil rights.
Federal efforts aim to ensure that any technology used in policing, from predictive algorithms to report-writing systems, is traceable and auditable.
How OSRS Helps Law Enforcement Stay Compliant
OGUN Security Research and Strategic Consulting (OSRS) helps agencies navigate new AI governance laws. OSRS offers:
Policy development to meet state and federal AI-disclosure requirements.
Training programs for officers and supervisors on AI ethics and accountability.
Audits and compliance reviews to evaluate how AI tools affect transparency.
By partnering with OSRS, agencies can strengthen public trust and align their technology use with evolving regulations. Contact OSRS to learn more about compliance support and AI risk management.
About the Author
Dr. Sunday O. Ogunlana is the Founder of OGUN Security Research and Strategic Consulting (OSRS). He is a cybersecurity and AI governance expert with over 15 years of experience in digital forensics, compliance, and cyber risk management.
Comments