Policy Text
SACRAMENTO POLICE DEPARTMENT
GENERAL ORDERS
GO 390.01
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390.01
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE USAGE
09-30-2025
Purpose
The purpose of this General Order is to provide guidelines for the responsible and ethical use of artificial
intelligence (AI) technologies by the Sacramento Police Department (SPD).
Policy
It shall be the policy of the SPD that employees use AI technologies to enhance operational efficiency, improve
decision-making processes , augment law enforcement capabilities , ensur e the protection of individual rights
and privacy rights , maintain public trust, and protect the integrity of police duties and investigations.
Procedure
A. DEFINITIONS
1. ALGORITHM – A series of logical steps through which an agent (typically a computer or software
program) turns particular inputs into particular outputs. AI systems use different algorithms for different
purposes.
2. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) – A collection of computer science methods that seek to create
machines that mimic human intelligence.
3. BIAS OR DISCRIMINATION - Studies have shown that the accuracy of AI system outputs can be
affected by algorithmic discrimination or biased data inputs .
a. Algorithmic discrimination occurs when automated systems disfavor people based on demographic
factors such as age, gender, and race of the subject.
b. Data bias is the result of data inputs that are based on biased historical data or data that is too narrowly tailored to accurately represent the desired output.
(1) An example of data bias can include geographic bias in predictive policing models , where
predicted crimes are based solely on prior arrest reports rather than crimes reported by victims.
4. GENERATIVE AI – A type of AI that uses machine learning to generate text, images, graphics,
presentations, language translation, statement transcription, audio, and video from user prompts or
existing content.
5. MACHINE LEARNING – A subset of AI that uses algorithms to imitate intelligent human behavior
without explicit computer programming.
6. PERCEPTIVE AI – A type of AI that captures, analyzes, and compares image data to images stored in
a database.
7. PREDICTIVE AI – A type of AI that uses machine learning to analyze current and historical data (e.g.,
databases, images, reports, etc.) and uses that data and algorithms to predict future outcomes, trends,
or behaviors.
B. GENERAL
1. The primary purposes of utilizing AI in law enforcement is to enhance public safety and support
personnel in various public safety tasks that include, but are not limited to, predictive policing, data
analysis, facial recognition, and license plate reader s.
2. Employees shall use department AI systems only under the following conditions:
a. For official law enforcement purposes .
b. After they have received proper training.
3. Employees shall proactively review AI generated content for indications of bias or discrimination and
take steps to mitigate its inclusion.
a. Mitigation methods can include algorithmic auditing, bias testing, algorithmic transparency, and monitoring error rates.
SACRAMENTO POLICE DEPARTMENT
GENERAL ORDERS
GO 390.01
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4. Without contractual safeguards, i nformation entered into or obtained from AI systems shall not be
considered private or confidential and may become publicly available. Therefore, employees shall
adhere to the following:
a. Input of protected information shall only be authorized after the department has ensured
appropriate contractual safeguards are in place to manage third-party use of department and law
enforcement data.
b. An information-exchange agreement in compliance with applicable rules and standards (e.g.,
Criminal Justice Information [CJI] database requirements) shall be used to outline the roles,
responsibilities, limitations, and data ownership between the department and any third-party
vendor s.
C. USE OF GENERATIVE AI
1. Employees who use generative AI to create or alter content during an investigation or for official law
enforcement purposes, shall receive supervisor approval before using, including but not limiting to, any
of the following:
a. A finished product.
b. A photo or video of a department employee.
c. Exception: Redaction of body -worn or in-car camera video for public release is exempt from this
section.
2. Employees who use generative AI to create text or assist with transcription of audio or video shall
review generated content for accuracy before using it in an investigation or for official law enforcement
purposes .
a. Employees shall include a statement in the final document or work product that indicates generative
AI was used to aid in its production.
D. USE OF PERCEPTIVE AI
1. Perceptive AI search results and analysis shall be limited as follows :
a. Shall only be considered investigative leads .
b. Shall not be used as the sole basis for a detention, arrest, identification, or requesting a warrant of
any kind.
2. Employees who use p erceptive AI results or analysis as an investigative lead, shall document their use
in an associated report or computer -aided dispatch log (if a report is not generated) .
3. The use of facial recognition technology shall be in accordance with G eneral Order 375.01 (Use of
Facial Recognition Technology).
4. The use of license plate recognition technology shall be in accordance with General Order 525.08 (Use
of Automated License Plate Reader and Public Safety Camera Network).
E. USE OF PREDICTIVE AI
1. Employees who use predictive AI to forecast criminal activity shall :
a. Proactively review data inputs for the presence of data bias .
b. Proactively review outputs to identify the presence of algorithmic bias