TLDR: Police in Sri Lanka are utilizing AI technology to generate suspect likenesses, a practice that has come under scrutiny following a newspaper report of a suspect’s capture. While authorities confirm the use of advanced technology, they refuse to disclose specific methods or guidelines, citing operational security. Experts emphasize the need for witness corroboration of these AI-generated images.
The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) by law enforcement in generating suspect likenesses has recently come to light, prompting public questions regarding transparency and oversight. A recent newspaper report detailed the capture of a crime suspect, noting that the police had created eight different images of the individual using ‘AI technology’ to aid in identification, particularly as the suspect had altered their appearance.
When ‘The Sunday Morning’ newspaper inquired about these practices, Deputy Minister of Public Security Sunil Watagala directed questions to the police, stating his inability to provide answers. Police Spokesperson Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) F.U. Wootler confirmed the use of ‘latest technology,’ including AI, in investigations. However, ASP Wootler declined to provide specific details on the methods employed or the guidelines followed, asserting that such disclosures ‘might hinder future operations.’ He further assured the public that the police are ‘using all modern technology and that nobody could escape’ law enforcement.
This emerging trend marks a significant shift from traditional methods, where hand-drawn pencil sketches were the common visual aid for suspect identification, typically corroborated by witnesses and then shared with the media.
Cybersecurity and AI policy expert Asela Waidyalankara commented on the development, suggesting that police ‘probably still do a pencil sketch and get generative AI to fill in the blanks.’ While acknowledging the potential utility of such tools for law enforcement, Waidyalankara underscored the critical importance of ensuring these AI-generated images are ‘corroborated by witnesses’ to maintain accuracy and fairness.
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Globally, AI algorithms are increasingly being explored for various forensic applications, including fingerprint analysis, facial recognition, and ballistic comparison, indicating a broader integration of AI into modern policing techniques.
