A new \u201cRobocop\u201d scheme in South Australia aims to help police officers spend more time on the beat and less time behind their desks.<\/p>\n
The Malinauskas Labor government has unveiled plans to invest millions in artificial intelligence to help SA Police officers scythe through tedious but vital paperwork.<\/p>\n
The scheme will roll out AI speech-to-text transcription to help officers transcribe interviews \u2013 a process that manually takes hours.<\/p>\n
It is part of a $35m program called AI Proof of Value that looks at ways of using artificial intelligence to boost government services and operation.<\/p>\n
The technology will help officers transcribe their interviews in real time rather than typing them up once the statements have been taken and recordings completed.<\/p>\n
Officers will still have to manually check the AI transcription, but it is hoped it will vastly boost the time officers are able to spend on the beat.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a government, we have made extensive investments to see more police on active duty and less time stuck behind a desk,\u201d SA Minister for State Development Chris Picton.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis new smart technology trial is a practical use of AI that will make a real difference to the day-to-day job for SAPol officers.\u201d<\/p>\n
State AI Minister Michael Brown added that the move would place \u201cless administrative burden\u201d on police.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy cutting down the time officers spend on paperwork, we\u2019re freeing them up to focus on what matters most, keeping South Australians safe,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cTranscription is a time-consuming but essential part of policing. Using AI to streamline this process means faster reporting, less administrative burden, and a more modern, responsive police service.\u201d<\/p>\n
The three-month trial was also welcomed by Acting Assistant Police Commissioner David O\u2019Donovan.<\/p>\n
\u201cAny initiative that can save officers time while maintaining a high standard of work will have a big impact for our staff,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cUtilising modern technology will allow us to return more time to frontline policing and keeping South Australians safe.\u201d<\/p>\n