Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming an integral component of law enforcement strategies, as exemplified by the Chicopee Police Department’s recent initiatives to enhance public safety through advanced technologies. During a recent City Council meeting, Mayor John Vieau emphasised the importance of equipping officers with the right tools to ensure both their safety and the safety of the community. “Public safety is paramount,” he stated, highlighting the department's goal to implement substantial technological improvements.
On Monday, the city's finance subcommittee will convene to deliberate on proposed appropriations aimed at acquiring new body cameras, dash cameras, Tasers, and establishing a Real-Time Crime Analysis Center. These investments are positioned to elevate the operational capabilities of the police department significantly.
The push for modernisation is not entirely new; the Chicopee Police Department has been progressively integrating advanced technologies over the past year. This includes a one-year subscription to Fusus, or the "Fusus Real-Time Crime Center in the Cloud," a software solution designed to enhance the efficiency of police response times by consolidating critical information into a singular interface. Deputy Chief Eric Watson stated, “We integrated it into our city cameras and other systems… The software brings everything together on one screen and has all the information.” The department sees potential for further developments, including expanding its personnel for data analysis.
Chicopee Police partnered with Axon Enterprises Inc., a firm specialising in law enforcement technology. Recently, the department secured nearly $250,000 in grant funding for body cameras and various technologies, including the Fusus system and advanced Tasers. Funding requests to the finance subcommittee will address several areas, including the urgent need for efficient decision-making tools.
Chief Patrick Major outlined the financial requirements for implementing modern technological solutions, which will include body cameras capable of translating foreign languages instantly, more efficient Tasers, and enhancements to report writing processes. The total request involves shifting $447,461 from the city’s stabilization fund to cover costs associated with equipment and staff training, as well as an additional $147,000 for the Axon AI Era Plan aimed at improving operational efficiency and addressing emerging public safety threats.
Plans include the hiring of new personnel, such as an information technology systems engineer and a real-time investigative crime analyst, to support the growth of the proposed Real-Time Analysis Center. This initiative draws on the experience of Springfield's Police Department, which established a similar centre in January 2018. Initially facing challenges, the Springfield centre has developed into a crucial resource for law enforcement, employing a diverse team of civilians capable of providing timely intelligence to responding officers.
The Chicopee Police Department’s approach involves ensuring that any deployment of AI technology adheres to ethical considerations. Deputy Chief Watson assured that Axon implements "responsible and ethical AI," reinforcing that the technology does not operate autonomously. “Nothing happens without an officer or an employee who is in control,” he asserted. Furthermore, Axon has established an Ethics and Equity Advisory Council to scrutinise the technology from an ethical perspective.
City Council members have voiced their support for these advancements. Tim Wagner expressed his optimism regarding the initiative, noting the importance of civilian safeguards and human oversight within the AI systems. City Councilor Mary Beth Pniak-Costello remarked that the new technology would alleviate concerns among her constituents regarding police accountability and underscored the department's commitment to enhancing public safety.
As the Chicopee Police Department gears up for potential adoption of these technologies, Mayor Vieau expressed his excitement about the prospective improvements, stating that the advancements would foster greater public trust during real-time operations.
The finance subcommittee’s meeting will take place at 6:30 pm at City Hall, where members will decide the fate of these technology proposals. The public is invited to participate and share their perspectives on the department's plans for AI integration in policing.
Source: Noah Wire Services