RCMP testing AI software to write police reports across Alberta, B.C.
Mounties piloting Draft One program that converts body-camera audio into written reports; legal experts raise accuracy concerns.
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The RCMP is testing artificial intelligence to write police reports on everything from traffic tickets to serious offences—except major crimes including murder—in Alberta and British Columbia detachments.
The program, called Draft One, works by converting audio from officers' body-worn cameras into written reports that police then review for errors. The software requires officers to change at least 10 per cent of what it produces. Obvious errors are intentionally sprinkled throughout to ensure edits are made. Once an officer signs off, the report can be used in court.
Draft One is powered by the same AI model as ChatGPT but is configured to reduce factual errors known as hallucinations. The RCMP says the pilot, which ends in August, is designed to determine whether the software can decrease the time and resources needed to create reports. Officers typically spend 40 per cent of their time writing reports, according to Axon, the company behind Draft One.
Calary-based criminal defence lawyer Jillian Williamson said the tool may improve police efficiency but could complicate legal proceedings. "This is herculean," she said. "Defence lawyers are going to want to know what parts were created by the officer and what parts were created by the AI system." She warned AI reports will likely slow the justice system once they reach court, as lawyers, judges, suspects and victims all rely on police reports for bail hearings, trials, and civil lawsuits.
No AI-written report has made it to a courtroom in Western Canada yet. When one does, it will include a disclosure stating it was produced by AI, and the officer can testify to its accuracy. Calgary Police Service recently announced it is also testing Axon technology—a real-time translation service.