“Not Just Another Tool" Report on Public Perceptions of AI in Law Enforcement, November 2024

Produced by UNICRI’s Centre for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics and with the financial support of the European Union (EU), the report explores global public perceptions of AI in law enforcement. It is based on a survey conducted across six continents over a period of eight months.

The findings reveal cautious optimism about AI’s potential in policing, in particular when it comes to investigating serious crimes. However, significant ethical concerns persist, particularly regarding privacy, discrimination, and real-time decision-making. Trust emerged as a key factor, with transparency, human oversight, and robust legal frameworks deemed essential for fostering public confidence.

Part of UNICRI’s Toolkit for Responsible AI Innovation in Law Enforcement, the report underscores the importance of collaboration between law enforcement, policymakers, and the public to ensure AI use aligns with justice, fairness, and societal values.

This publication calls for ethical AI practices, ongoing public engagement, and further research to guide responsible innovation and maintain public trust.