Ohio Homeland Security launching AI-powered suspicious activity reporting system

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Homeland Security is launching a new, AI-powered suspicious activity reporting system, they announced in a press release Friday, “to gather actionable information on potential threats of violence.”

Those making reports will be able to provide information via text, video, audio and photo and will be able to stay anonymous.

The “first-in-nation” app, called Safeguard Ohio, uses AI in a similar way to a chatbot, where it asks the individual making the report for more information that could assist law enforcement.

“Events that threaten the safety of Ohioans can be hard to predict, but they can be prevented with help from timely, detailed tips from the public,” said Governor DeWine. “This new app simplifies the process to get information to law enforcement quickly and conveniently.”

You can see an example of how the system works here:

(Ohio Department of Public Safety)

When making a tip, a person can select from one of the following categories:

• Suspicious activity-terrorism
• Drug-related activity
• Human trafficking
• Gun-related activity
• School threats
• Crimes against children
• Financial crime
• Other criminal activity

Once they select a category, the user begins their conversation with the AI.

“The AI infused prompts are essential components of this new system,” OHS Executive Director Mark Porter said in the release. “We will get the high-quality intelligence we need to act on a tip through this new system. The AI is trained to keep asking questions until the person reporting says they have no more information about the incident.”

Information submitted through the app is sent to the always-staffed Statewide Terrorism Analysis and Crime Center, where it is reviewed, and the proper authorities are notified.

“One of the best attributes of this new system is the ability to upload video and photos,” said Andy Wilson, director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, in the release. “More and more people these days – especially our younger generation – don’t like to talk on the phone. This new reporting method will result in more detailed information being shared with the authorities. That’s exactly what we want. Better information leads to better investigations.”

However, the release states that the app should not replace calling 911 in an emergency. If the AI recognizes a situation that merits the action, it will tell the user to call 911.

Safeguard Ohio is not a substitute for calling 9-1-1 and should not be used during an emergency, however the app’s AI can identify situations requiring an urgent response and will prompt individuals to call 9-1-1.

Once you make a report, you will receive a QR code, which you can use to add more information after submission.

The app was developed by OHS and Vigiliti.