Another Crazy Day in AI: The Algorithmic Future of Crime Documentation
- Wowza Team
- Aug 13
- 4 min read
Hello, AI Enthusiasts.
From experiments to billion-dollar bids, here’s what’s new in AI.
Some police departments are turning to Draft One, Axon’s AI that takes body cam transcripts and spins them into police report drafts. It’s speeding up paperwork, but also bringing fresh scrutiny to law enforcement’s tech choices.
Meanwhile, YouTube is testing an AI that guesses your age from your viewing habits — and you might be surprised how it handles a wrong guess.
And in the “did they really just do that?” file, Perplexity has offered $34.5 billion for Google Chrome.
Blink, and you’ll miss the next twist.
Here's another crazy day in AI:
Police reports go high-tech with ChatGPT integration
YouTube pilots AI-based age system in U.S.
Perplexity bids $34.5B for Google Chrome
Some AI tools to try out
TODAY'S FEATURED ITEM: Automated Drafting Reaches Police Stations
Image Credit: Wowza (created with Ideogram)
What happens when one of the most important documents in the justice system, the police report, starts with an AI-generated draft?
CNN Business reporters Clare Duffy and Emily Williams look into how some police departments in the U.S. are using Draft One, an AI-powered tool from Axon, to help write the first draft of police reports. The software turns body camera transcripts into draft narratives, aiming to save officers time while keeping reports accurate and complete. Early users say it has reduced report-writing time significantly, but its growing adoption is prompting important conversations about accuracy, potential bias, and transparency in law enforcement documentation.
What's Happening
Officers in Fort Collins, Colorado went from spending 45 minutes writing reports to just 10 minutes using the AI tool, freeing up time for patrol duties and community policing
Draft One has become Axon's fastest-growing product, with departments in multiple states now testing or implementing the technology alongside their existing body camera systems
The software includes built-in prompts that require officers to review and add missing details, though these safeguards can be bypassed if officers choose to delete the prompts entirely
Once an officer submits their final report, the original AI-generated draft disappears completely, making it impossible to track what changes were made during the editing process
King County, Washington prosecutors have refused to accept any AI-drafted reports, citing concerns about officers potentially approving narratives with factual errors
Utah recently passed the first state law requiring police departments to disclose when reports were created with AI assistance, though many departments can opt out of such notifications
The American Civil Liberties Union has published research recommending against using this technology, pointing to risks of algorithmic bias and reduced officer accountability
Legal experts note that police reports often serve as the primary evidence in lower-level cases and directly influence decisions about charges, bail, and plea agreements
Police reports have always carried enormous weight in our justice system. They can determine whether someone gets charged with a crime, how much bail they might face, and what evidence prosecutors present in court. For many minor offenses, these reports represent the only detailed record of what happened during an arrest or incident. Now, with AI entering this process, we're seeing both genuine benefits and legitimate concerns playing out in real time across different communities.
The technology appears to be helping officers create more comprehensive reports while spending less time at their computers, which departments struggling with staffing shortages find appealing. However, the lack of transparency around how the AI makes its decisions, combined with the inability to review original drafts after submission, raises questions about accountability that legal advocates say deserve more attention. As more departments consider adopting similar tools, the conversation around proper oversight, required disclosures, and quality controls will likely become more pressing for communities nationwide.
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OTHER INTERESTING AI HIGHLIGHTS:
YouTube Pilots AI-Based Age System in U.S.
/Michael Liedtke, (AP Technology Writer), on ABC News
YouTube is launching tests in the U.S. for an AI-powered system that determines whether viewers are adults or minors based on their viewing habits. Logged-in users flagged as under 18 will face the same content restrictions and safety features YouTube already applies to younger audiences, such as break reminders, privacy notices, and limited recommendations. Viewers can appeal the AI’s decision by verifying their age with ID, credit card, or selfie. The move comes amid growing political pressure for stricter online age checks, though digital rights advocates warn of potential privacy and free speech concerns.
Read more here.
Perplexity Bids $34.5B for Google Chrome
/Ashley Capoot, (Reporter), on CNBC
AI startup Perplexity has made an unsolicited $34.5 billion bid to acquire Google’s Chrome browser, surpassing its own $18 billion valuation thanks to backing from venture investors. The offer comes after the U.S. Department of Justice proposed Google divest Chrome following an antitrust ruling against the company. Perplexity, known for its AI-driven search engine and new browser Comet, sees Chrome as a valuable gateway to the internet and an opportunity to level the search market playing field. Google has yet to respond, while the bid adds another twist to the competitive and high-stakes generative AI race.
Read more here.
SOME AI TOOLS TO TRY OUT:
That’s a wrap on today’s Almost Daily craziness.
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