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SDPD explores approved AI tools for police-report drafting

A July information request asks vendors about systems that could assist officers while keeping people in control of report content and structure.

Published October 9, 2026

The San Diego Police Department is gathering information about artificial-intelligence tools that could help officers and investigators write reports, Voice of San Diego reported Friday. The department issued the request for information on July 31 as it looks for ways to reduce time spent on paperwork amid frontline staffing shortages.

Status: Information gathering and planning only

Not yet: A request for proposals, contract award or active departmentwide rollout

Current policy: Officers may not use generative-AI tools that the department has not approved

What the department says

An SDPD spokesperson told Voice of San Diego that the department remains in an exploration phase. If officials decide to pursue AI-assisted report writing, the spokesperson said SDPD would conduct outreach to elected officials and community members.

The information request says any system should leave users in control of their reports. The exploration follows a department policy that barred officers from using unapproved generative-AI tools to author reports; it does not mean officers may use consumer AI services for official reports.

Original reporting: Voice of San Diego, October 9 →