Polk County Sheriff's Office and Florida Poly join forces to combat artificial intelligence crime

LAKELAND, Florida., June 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Polk County The Sheriff's Office (PCSO) announced the creation of a new law enforcement unit focused on artificial intelligence (AI)-related cybercrime. The new AI Investigation Unit was developed in partnership with Florida Polytechnic University, which will provide technical and research support.

“Modern law enforcement must stay ahead of the technological curve when it comes to preventing, combating and solving crime. With the incredible potential benefits of artificial intelligence, there is a downside: criminals will use the technology to commit crimes,” said Grady Judd, Polk County Sheriff. “We are proud to partner with Florida Polytechnic University and benefit from their recognized expertise and human talent to fight crime.

Some goals of the new AI investigative unit include:

• Obtain and maintain cutting-edge training and tools to help you identify AI-related crimes and criminals.
• Participate in criminal investigations involving AI, including cyberstalking, identity theft, extortion, hate crimes and other related cybercrimes.
• Identify emerging AI technologies and exploit and/or combat the misuse of these technologies.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of AI trends, techniques, tactics and procedures of threat actors using AI, including extortion or blackmail.
• Identify and analyze deepfake and AI-altered image/video/audio production technologies and methodologies used to mislead the public.

As part of this partnership, Florida Poly will contribute to the development and operational success of the unit, providing technical and research support.

Florida Poly student interns will gain unique, real-world experience working and developing skills in the field of AI with law enforcement professionals. Interns will provide advanced technology solutions to current PCSO systems.

Florida Poly President Dr. Randy Avent, said the University is exploring program and degree opportunities related to AI fields of study. He stressed the importance of collaboration.

“This working partnership with the Polk County The Sheriff’s Office is a natural fit with our mission to serve students and industry through excellence in education, discovery and application of engineering and applied science,” Avent said. “We strive to find real-world applications to bring value to the education of our students. and our community. This is another way for us to be leaders in construction that of Florida technology-based economy. »

SOURCE Florida Polytechnic University