RCMP tests AI tool to draft police reports in Alberta and B.C.

The RCMP is testing artificial intelligence to help draft police reports in Alberta and British Columbia, covering incidents from traffic tickets to serious offences, but not major crimes such as murder. The pilot program, which uses Axon’s Draft One software, is set to end in August. The system works by turning bodycamera audio into a written report that officers review and edit before signing off. RCMP say the tool is meant to reduce the time spent on paperwork, while reports created with the software can still be used in court with a disclosure noting AI was involved. Legal experts say the technology could speed up report writing, but they warn it may also create problems in court. Concerns include transcription errors, loss of context, possible changes to officers’ recollections, and added work for defence lawyers and judges who may need to check what was written by AI versus the officer. The RCMP says the pilot’s results will be reviewed after August to decide whether to continue.