New Technologies in Law Enforcement: Jonathan Ventura on Artificial Intelligence in Law Enforcement
Last week our club member, Jonathan Ventura, who is the Chief of the Arlington Police Department and a seasoned law enforcement professional with a background in the DEA and 25 years of experience, provided a fascinating insight into the evolution of crime-solving technologies and where we are headed.
As investigative technologies have evolved throughout the years, police departments have seen continual increases in the number of crimes solved as technology has improved. Strating with pulling fingerprints, departments had a new tool to try and solve crimes. While the new tool on the block, Chief Ventura recalls only about six cases that were solved thanks to fingerprints. Compare that to the addition of DNA analysis, an improvement over fingerprints, as DNA samples were easier to collect. Over the course of Chief Ventura’s career, he recalls roughly 20+ cases solved thanks to DNA analysis.
Fast forward a few years, and we have seen the growth of video evidence being used to solve crimes. Video evidence has helped departments solve hundreds of cases. As video technology improves, one would assume that video will only improve crime statistics. But what can a department do with thousands of hours of video to review over large swaths of area? Meet AI (Artificial Intelligence).
We were lucky to recently hear a presentation from Chief Ventura regarding his time at the FBI Academy. Chief Ventura said that while he was at the Academy, Artificial Intelligence had progressed more in just those three months than it had in the previous 50 years.
For those of you who are new to AI, here is a short explanation of what AI is and how it can be used, as described by an AI large language model, ChatGPT:
“Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the development of computer systems capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence. It involves the creation of algorithms and models that enable machines to learn from data, recognize patterns, and make decisions or predictions.”
Chief Ventura delved into the practical applications of AI in police departments, particularly focusing on the utilization of ChatGPT for report writing. He showcased the integration of AI into existing technologies, illustrating how it can overlay information onto videos, review extensive data to extract key details, and enhance the efficiency of law enforcement tasks.
An intriguing highlight was the discussion on Automated Plate Readers, a pilot program that records license plates from the front or back, along with date, time, and location information. The real-time alerts generated by this technology can be invaluable to officers on the field. Chief Ventura also introduced Flock Safety, a solar-powered system using cell phone technology akin to body cams. This system, with a subscription cost of $3,500 per year, aims to combat crimes involving vehicles, which constitute 70% of criminal activities.
Moreover, Chief Ventura underscored the potential cost savings and resource optimization through these technologies. The ability for different jurisdictions to link and share data, along with collaborations with community partners like Flock Safety, exemplifies a holistic approach to enhancing public safety.
This will certainly not be the last time we hear of AI and how it will be used in many different forms in the future, including the ever-evolving line of police work and investigations. Thank you for such an enlightening presentation from Chief Jonathan Ventura.
