Austin, TX – Right On Crime today released a comprehensive research paper, Emerging Technologies in Law Enforcement, authored by Christian Cochran, Florida Director of Right On Crime. The study examines how artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming policing across the country, offering powerful new tools to keep communities safe while raising important questions about transparency and oversight.
From predictive policing models that help prevent crime before it happens to AI-assisted body cameras and weapons detection systems that protect schools, these emerging technologies are already being deployed to strengthen public safety. For resource-limited agencies, AI acts as a force multiplier—helping officers solve crimes faster, respond more efficiently, and stretch taxpayer dollars further.
“We don’t have to choose between safety and freedom—but we must demand rules that protect both,” said Brett Tolman, former U.S. Attorney and Executive Director of Right On Crime. “Any unchecked government surveillance threatens individual liberty, and Americans deserve to know when and how their government is using any type of artificial intelligence.”
The research highlights examples from across the country where AI has already been put to work: detecting firearms before shots are fired, increasing case closure rates, and enhancing officer efficiency in the field. At the same time, the study underscores that technology should serve as an aid, not a replacement, for human judgment.
“AI can be a powerful tool for law enforcement, but it should never replace common sense or the trained judgment of an officer,” said the study’s author Christian Cochran, Florida Director of Right On Crime. “Technology should support investigations, not become the sole basis for arrests. Human oversight must always be the safeguard.”
Key findings from the study include:
- Public safety first: AI enhances law enforcement’s ability to protect communities through faster response times, better intelligence gathering, and crime prevention tools.
- Force multiplier for officers: Especially in smaller departments, AI extends limited resources and allows officers to focus on protecting victims and solving cases.
- Balancing freedom and security: While AI strengthens safety, it must be paired with oversight and transparency to preserve individual liberty.
- Policy recommendations: Lawmakers should require public disclosure of AI use, set standards for acceptable applications, and enforce human oversight in every case.
“Emerging technology in criminal justice has shown considerable potential for changing the face of justice. However, privacy, legal, and ethical concerns remain,” Cochran said.
The paper concludes that the benefits of AI for public safety far outweigh the risks—but only if legislatures set clear guardrails to ensure technology is used responsibly.
Conservatives, who champion both strong law enforcement and limited government, have an opportunity to lead on this issue by demanding policies that protect citizens while giving officers the tools they need to keep communities safe.
The full study is available at RightOnCrime.com