Polk County Sheriff's Office partners with Florida Polytechnic to create new AI lab

The Polk County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) creates a new law enforcement unit that will focus on artificial intelligence and related cybercrime. Florida Polytechnic University students and faculty will provide technical and research support, according to PCSO.

“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 Polk County Sheriff. Grady Judd said.

“It is not just a unit of inquiry, it is a holistic unit dedicated to vision, discovery and creativity. Its goal is to use what we learn to keep the community safe. We are proud to partner with Florida Polytechnic University to benefit from their recognized expertise and human talent to fight crime.

The new unit:

— Obtain and maintain cutting-edge training and tools to help identify AI-related crimes and criminals.

— Participate in criminal investigations involving the use of AI, including cyberstalking, identity theft, extortion, hate crimes and other related cybercrimes.

— Identify emerging AI technologies and exploit and/or combat their misuse.

— Systematically vet new AI investigative software for use in a law enforcement context.

— Provide ongoing updates on emerging AI technologies, methodologies and AI incident trends to law enforcement leaders.

— Maintain up-to-date knowledge of evolving AI trends, techniques, tactics and procedures of threat actors using AI technology, including extortion or blackmail trends.

— Identify and analyze deepfake and AI-altered image/video/audio production technologies and methodologies used to mislead the public.

— Identify partnerships between federal, state and local agencies to investigate AI incidents. Implement best policies and practices related to AI criminal investigations.

— Provide training and assistance in AI-related investigations (internal to the Polk County Sheriff's Office and external partner agencies).

Lakeland-based Florida Polytechnic University is partnering with PCSO to develop and assist the unit through technical and research support.

The partnership will allow students to gain real-world professional experience working and developing skills related to the field of AI, including providing advanced technology solutions to the Sheriff's Office's current operations.

“This working partnership with the Polk County 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 sciences,” said the president of Florida Polytechnic University. Randy K. Avent said.

“We strive to find real-world applications to bring value to the education of our students and value to our community. This is another way for us to be leaders in building a technology-based economy in Florida.

Post Views: 0