Brooklyn Park Police Harness Power of AI

From health care to education, artificial intelligence is rapidly changing our world. Now, that same technology is being used by the Brooklyn Park Police Department.

Officers are harnessing the power of AI to break down language barriers and get real-time assistance when they are on patrol. That includes officer Will Weaver, who often patrols the streets of Brooklyn Park solo.

“I just respond to calls as they come up,” said Weaver. “Could be a domestic, could be a traffic-related incident.”

But this past February, he got an assistant of sorts.

The department rolled out new, advanced body cameras that don’t just record video. They assist officers through artificial intelligence.

Photo of Brooklyn Park police bodycams/credit CCX Media

A Translator and Help Desk All in One  

For instance, the body cams feature real-time translation of more than 50 languages.

This decreases problems that could arise due to miscommunication.

“The fact that we have the clarity and transparency of communication, between us and residents makes it a lot easier,” said Weaver.

The cameras also provide information to officers in a moment’s notice on specific Minnesota statutes as well as department policies and procedures.

“If I have questions about pursuits or how to respond to a particular type of call, I can ask that question to the body cam and it will also provide that information, which is very convenient,” explained Weaver.

Not only have the AI cameras proven to be convenient, Weaver said they are also save time when it comes to written reports.

“There’s a lot of rewarding stuff when it comes to policing, but most police officers probably don’t put report writing at the top of that list, so this saves us a lot of time and effort,” said Weaver.

Weaver explained that officers double-check the reports to maintain accuracy and provide edits when needed.

By freeing up an officer’s time, Weaver said they are able to respond to non-emergency calls quicker, building a case for AI use now and into the future.

Local Limitations

Brooklyn Park has had body cameras since 2015.

While the cameras feature translation for more than 50 languages, Somali and Hmong, two prominent languages spoken in the local community, are currently not among them.

Weaver said that’s because there’s a lack of readily available digital data in those languages.

Also see: Brooklyn Park Police Report Shows Crime Drops To 37-Year Low

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