This Week in Government Technology – August 25th-September 1st, 2024

AI Chatbots Writing Police Reports Raises Concerns

Police departments in cities like Oklahoma City and Lafayette are beginning to experiment with AI tools to draft initial crime reports based on body camera footage and audio recordings. This new technology, developed by Axon, promises to reduce officers’ time on paperwork, freeing them to focus on active policing. While officers have praised its efficiency, concerns are rising among legal experts and community advocates about the potential for AI to introduce errors or biases into critical documents used in the justice system. Prosecutors and watchdogs are particularly cautious about the technology’s use in cases that could affect arrests or court outcomes, noting the need for human oversight to ensure accuracy and accountability.

AI Technology Enhances Emergency Response in Jefferson County

Jefferson County’s 911 communications center, Jeffcom 911, is implementing a new AI-powered platform to improve emergency response efficiency and address staffing challenges. The cloud-based system, provided by Carbyne, will reduce call times, enhance caller location accuracy, and streamline the handling of emergency and non-emergency calls. AI tools like language translation and machine learning-based call triage will help manage surges in calls during major incidents, ensuring resources are allocated effectively. The platform also supports accessibility with features like text messaging and video calling, providing enhanced services for people with disabilities.

New AI Guidance Released While Tech Advocates Call for Software Reform

The Biden administration has released its guidelines for federal agencies to submit their 2024 AI use case inventories, with a submission deadline of December 16, 2024. Notable updates in the final version include a more focused definition of excluded AI use cases and a new section requesting deadline extensions for compliance with risk management practices. At the same time, several major tech advocacy groups are urging Congress to pass critical legislation that would enhance oversight and transparency in software procurement across federal agencies before the end of this session.

Former Labor CIO Calls for Accelerated Digital Modernization

Former Labor Department CIO Gundeep Ahluwalia emphasized the need for continued modernization to support the rapidly evolving jobs market. During his tenure, foundational IT improvements like Wi-Fi access and laptops paved the way for advanced technologies such as AI and robotic process automation. As he transitions to a new role, Ahluwalia stressed that the department must accelerate its digital transformation to help retrain the American workforce for future jobs driven by emerging technologies, including green energy and AI. He warned that without sustained investment, the Labor Department risks falling behind in its mission to support and prepare workers for the future.

NLRB Names David Gaston as First Chief AI Officer

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has appointed David Gaston as its first chief artificial intelligence officer. Gaston, a lawyer with significant experience in technology policy and digital evidence, will oversee the NLRB’s AI initiatives and ensure compliance with federal AI directives. This appointment comes amid a broader federal push to establish AI governance across agencies, with the Biden administration emphasizing regulatory oversight of AI technology. Gaston’s legal background makes his appointment unique compared to other agencies that have chosen more technical leaders for similar roles.