The Westbrook Police Department says they’re going to be changing their policy regarding social media after backlash over an AI altered image.
The Bangor Daily News reports that the department posted an evidence picture of a drug bust this past Tuesday that had been digitally altered, originally denying the use of AI before apologizing for it. They say it was used to add the department’s logo to the image but accidentally altered other parts of the image like the names of some of the drugs.
The photo generated a lot of criticism online, with many expressing their concerns and disappointments regarding law enforcement adopting AI.
“Mainers have always been entering these situations with their eyes wide open and with a healthy skepticism of the police,” Karyn Sporer, the chair of sociology at the University of Maine told the BDN. “When something like this happens, it’s very easy for people to talk about”. She also added that incidents like these may add to people’s mistrust of police.
Westbrook Chief Sean Lally said Thursday that they’ll stop posting evidence pictures and will be updating their social media policy in the future. He also added that no particular training is planned regarding the use of AI for the department.
To read the original Bangor Daily News article, click here.
