What Does A.I. Say About Improving Our Police?

Community-Oriented Police Officers [A.I. generated photo]

I could not restrain myself after reading yet another article on the future role of A.I. and how it will generate new jobs. So, I asked about one job that I have come to know well having done this job for over three decades as a city street cop, detective, and chief. I didn’t stop there. Sixty years later, policing in still in my blood and so I went on to write a book about this work and maintained this blog for over a decade.

I had to ask ChatGPT, “How can local police in America be improved?”

Here’s what it said. It turned out that most of the recommendations can be found in this blog. What was new? Very little, if any. Nevertheless, what it did do was put together the essential points of several actions that are needed to keep the police function ethical, effective and community-oriented. Exactly was needed in a free and democratic society.

But what’s missing? What about selection and the importance of hiring educated, emotionally intelligent men and women? Fielding police department members who look like those whom they police? (So, I wonder, has “D.E.I.” somehow been scrubbed? After all, is not diversity our strength as a nation along with equity and inclusion?)

But read on. It’s a good review!

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How Can Police in America Be Improved?

Improving local police forces in America is a complex issue that requires multifaceted solutions, including reforms in training, accountability, community engagement, and the overall structure of policing. Here are a few areas that could help improve local police departments:

1. Reform Training Programs

• De-escalation Techniques: Emphasize non-violent, de-escalation tactics in training to reduce the likelihood of using force.
• Cultural Sensitivity and Bias Training: Address implicit bias, systemic racism, and cultural competence to improve interactions with diverse communities.
• Mental Health Crisis Training: Equip officers with the skills to respond effectively to mental health crises, possibly with a partnership with mental health professionals.

2. Accountability and Transparency

• Body Cameras: Implement mandatory use of body cameras and ensure that footage is publicly accessible, except in certain circumstances (like privacy concerns).
• Independent Oversight: Establish civilian review boards or independent oversight bodies to investigate complaints and incidents involving police misconduct.
• Clear Disciplinary Measures: Ensure clear, consistent consequences for police misconduct to build trust in the system.

3. Community Policing

• Building Trust with the Community: Officers should engage in proactive, non-enforcement activities in the community to build relationships and trust.
• Community Involvement in Policy: Include local communities in the decision-making process regarding policing policies, so they have a stake in the system.
• Neighborhood-Based Policing: Officers should be assigned to specific areas, giving them a deeper understanding of the community’s needs and challenges.

4. Funding and Resource Allocation

• Reallocating Funds: Some suggest reallocating portions of police budgets to community-based programs, like mental health services, youth programs, and housing initiatives.
• Investing in Non-Police Services: Rather than relying on police for everything, local governments could invest in social services and conflict resolution programs that can address issues without police involvement.

5. Mental Health and Wellness Support for Officers

• Mental Health Resources for Officers: Police work can be traumatic, and officers need access to mental health support to prevent burnout, trauma, and stress from affecting their performance.
• Wellness Programs: Introduce wellness programs that focus on the overall well-being of officers to ensure they are physically and mentally capable of handling their duties effectively.

6. Use of Technology

• Data-Driven Policing: Use data to identify patterns of crime, allocate resources more effectively, and predict where intervention may be needed—without racial profiling or discrimination.
• Less Lethal Options: Equip officers with a broader range of non-lethal tools and technologies to subdue suspects without resorting to deadly force (e.g., tasers, bean bag guns).

7. Public Education and Collaboration

• Civic Education Programs: Create programs that educate the public on their rights and the role of police, as well as the legal and ethical frameworks that guide law enforcement.
• Collaborative Law Enforcement: Encourage collaborations between different law enforcement agencies (local, state, federal) to ensure better coordination, sharing of information, and consistency in practices.

8. Reimagine the Role of Police

• Reducing the Scope of Policing: Some advocates propose reducing the number of responsibilities that fall under police duties, such as responding to traffic violations or low-level drug offenses, which could be handled by other agencies.
• Specialized Units: Certain tasks, like handling mental health crises, homelessness, or addiction, could be delegated to specialized responders, ensuring that officers focus on maintaining safety and law enforcement.

9. Ending Qualified Immunity

• Holding Officers Accountable: Qualified immunity prevents many law enforcement officers from being held personally liable for constitutional violations. Reforming this would ensure greater accountability for officers who break the law.

10. Cultural Shift Within Police Departments

• Breaking the “Blue Wall of Silence”: Encouraging a culture where officers are more likely to report misconduct within their ranks is crucial. Protecting whistleblowers and fostering a culture of integrity can reduce corruption and misconduct.
• Promotion of Ethical Leadership: Encourage ethical leadership at all levels within the police force, from entry-level officers to the highest-ranking officials. Leadership should be transparent, empathetic, and focused on service to the community.

11. Use of Civilian-Led Police Alternatives

• Non-Police First Responders: Some cities have experimented with using unarmed civilian responders for situations involving mental health crises, addiction issues, or non-violent offenses. This allows the police to focus on more serious crimes while reducing unnecessary arrests and confrontations.

ChatGPT, June 17, 2025