Why AI Use Needs to Be Logged Like a Bodycam

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If it affects the public, it needs a record.

AI systems are already part of law enforcement workflows. Some generate investigative leads. Others prioritize calls, assist with tips, or flag unusual activity. When these systems shape decisions, those decisions need to be traceable—just like any field action, review, or command directive.

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What Logging AI Use Actually Means

1. When the system is accessed

Who initiated the request? What was the context?

2. What output it produced

What did the AI system return? Was it a flag, classification, suggestion, or score?

3. Who reviewed the output

Was a human involved in reviewing or confirming the result? Who was responsible?

4. What decision was made

Was action taken based on the output? Was it used to supplement a decision, trigger a response, or deprioritize a lead?

5. Whether the system was overridden

Did staff reject the output? Did they escalate or report a concern?

Why This Matters

• Legal defensibility
  You’ll need to show how decisions were made—especially if there’s a complaint, lawsuit, or audit.
• Operational oversight
  Without logs, your agency has no way to assess how AI tools are being used—or misused.
• Public trust
  If your agency can’t show when and how AI was involved in a decision, it feeds public suspicion.

Use the Right Tool

ClearCouncil’s HITL + Output Log Template gives agencies a simple way to start capturing the most important details—without overcomplicating your workflows.

→ Download the HITL + Output Log Template

If your agency logs use-of-force, it can log AI use. And it should.