🚨 A federal judge in Chicago recently exposed something law enforcement has not adequately prepared for.

In a recent court opinion, the judge noted that immigration agents were using ChatGPT to draft use-of-force reports from minimal information and photographs. Body-worn camera footage later conflicted with portions of the written narrative.

For Internal Affairs professionals, the issue extends beyond one report. It raises questions about documentation integrity, officer credibility, evidentiary reliability, and agency policy.

Federal officials acknowledged expanding AI use across the Department of Homeland Security while many agencies continue operating without comprehensive AI governance. As AI-assisted report writing becomes more common, agencies must decide where AI belongs—and where it does not.

·       Documentation Reliability — Investigators must know whether reports reflect firsthand observations or AI-generated language.

·       CJIS Compliance — Public AI platforms are not designed to store criminal justice information in a CJIS-compliant manner.

·       Courtroom Credibility — Defense attorneys will increasingly challenge AI-assisted narratives.

·       Policy Gaps — Technology is advancing faster than agency policy.

• Are officers using AI without disclosure?
• Does policy prohibit uploading criminal justice information into public AI tools?
• Are supervisors reviewing AI-assisted reports?
• Has the agency trained employees on AI governance?

1.     Meet with IT, Legal Counsel, and the CJIS Systems Officer.

2.     Inventory AI tools currently being used.

3.     Draft an agency AI policy.

4.     Train employees on approved and prohibited uses.

5.     Audit compliance quarterly.

Artificial intelligence should improve efficiency—not replace officer judgment, accountability, or truthful documentation. Agencies that establish clear AI governance today will be in a stronger position when courts, auditors, prosecutors, and the public scrutinize AI-assisted reports.

·       U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois (2025)

·       Department of Homeland Security AI Use Case Inventory Report (2026)

·       DHS Office of Inspector General Report on AI Governance (2025)

·       FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security Policy

·       Utah and California AI disclosure requirements

·       Ian Adams, University of South Carolina

·       Katie Kinsey, NYU Policing Project