opinion

Start thinking now about rules for police technology: Editorial

Police officers could one day have equipment that seems like science fiction.

Consider this scenario: A Delaware State Police officer in his cruiser watches a computer screen that's tied into multiple cameras, including airborne drones. Artificial intelligence swiftly helps the officer identify motorists or passers-by through license plates, vehicle models or even facial recognition.

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It isn't as futuristic as you might think. State police have been collaborating with a Houston, Texas-based company, Coban Technologies, which aims to advance "AI (artificial intelligence) for public protection and safety."

AI could provide powerful tools to help law enforcement quickly catch criminals. But it also raises serious concerns about personal privacy and individual rights.

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Delaware leaders should begin grappling with those concerns now, before this technology becomes commonplace.

The state can start by being more transparent about what kinds of equipment officers already have and what kinds of tech they hope to obtain.

State police have not answered most questions about the agency's relationship with Coban, with a spokesman saying only that "we don’t have any of this (artificial intelligence) technology."

The only reason we know police are working with Coban is because the company used a Delaware State Police cruiser in a display at a major convention in Washington, D.C.

We understand that officers are hesitant to describe their tools and tactics for fear of tipping off criminals. But the public has a right to know at least basic information about the technical capabilities police have — or would like to have — so the consequences can be considered.

For example: The camera technology would give police immense information about Delawareans' location. How long would that data be stored? Who could access it? Would they need a warrant to do so?

Most officers would probably use such equipment ethically, but what safeguards would prevent unscrupulous officers from abusing its power?

Coban officials themselves say lawmakers and police departments need to have clear rules in place for how to use the equipment they hope to create.

State police are right to explore how new technology could help them do their jobs better. Police can't be technophobes — criminals certainly won't be.

But it's incumbent on policymakers to balance the need for public safety against the right to privacy. And they should start trying to find that balance now, before high-tech crime-fighting tools are routinely used on the streets.

The News Journal's editorial opinions are decided by its editorial board, which is separate from the news staff.