AFP trials AI to improve operations & officer welfare

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has revealed its trial use of artificial intelligence to improve operations and enhance the well-being of its personnel.

The announcement was made during Microsoft's AI Tour in Sydney, where AFP Manager Technology Strategy and Data, Benjamin Lamont, discussed the agency's collaborations in leveraging AI technology responsibly. The AFP aims to boost efficiency and address safety concerns as part of its mission to protect Australians and the nation's interests.

The AFP is increasingly using commercial cloud computing services, notably Microsoft Azure, to craft tailor-made AI solutions. This includes technology developed in partnership with Microsoft and specialised vendors to better identify deepfake images and other compromised content.

In collaboration with the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation, the AFP has already demonstrated AI's potential in child protection scenarios. Commander Helen Schneider of the AFP remarked, "AI is a powerful tool for detecting and addressing issues relating to deepfakes and other crimes. It also offers many possibilities for making us more efficient and effective as a police force."

Additionally, the partnership with Microsoft involves efforts to securely quarantine, clean, and analyse materials seized during investigations. Maintaining a secure and disconnected environment is a priority to preserve data and evidence integrity.

This initiative is part of the AFP's broader objective to cultivate an AI capability extending from tactical technology levels to expansive cloud resources, expected to facilitate quicker achievement of organisational goals. Generative AI and cognitive services are among the Microsoft platform capabilities anticipated for full utilisation.

The AFP has trialled Microsoft 365 Copilot, a generative AI service that works with business applications such as Word, and has noted significant enhancements in officers' efficiency through automated documentation.

Furthermore, the AFP is exploring AI applications to support officers in coping with law enforcement challenges. AI-generated text summaries of visual content can prepare officers before viewing material, potentially mitigating adverse mental health effects. The agency is also testing methods such as converting images to greyscale and removing audio to reduce the mental impact.

Steven Worrall, Managing Director of Microsoft ANZ, stated, "We've been pleased to help the Australian Federal Police migrate to the cloud and now in exploring how the agency can use AI in ways that are both effective and responsible. As criminals move more and more into the digital environment, it's vital that law enforcement authorities leverage the latest capabilities to keep the community and their own people safe."

The AFP stresses a cautious and ethical approach to deploying AI, considering community concerns and ethical standards. Commander Schneider confirmed, "The AFP is very committed to ensuring that AI is used responsibly and in a way that aligns with our ethics as an organisation. We conduct proactive due diligence, focus on robust human oversight and accountability, and carefully consider the values, norms and expectations of the community we serve before deploying any technology."

Reflecting their dedication to responsible use, the AFP has established a Responsible and Ethical AI Framework, informed by Microsoft's principles, to navigate the opportunities and challenges AI presents. Schneider expressed gratitude for Microsoft's cooperation, stating, "It has been very helpful to be able to work with Microsoft as we consider the new possibilities and issues presented by AI."