At Axon, we recognize the necessity for efficiency, safety and ethical innovation as we develop technology for public safety. To that end, we believe that artificial intelligence (AI) is an integral tool for the future of law enforcement.

As part of our ongoing research and development efforts, we conducted a national survey on AI in law enforcement. With responses from more than 500 professionals representing agencies of all sizes across the United States, the findings offer valuable insights into how law enforcement is approaching AI adoption and how this technology can be used to protect more lives in more places.

This report centers on the challenges of officer recruitment and retention and explores how agencies are using AI to force-multiply their existing workforce. But AI isn’t just about improving efficiency; we also explored how AI is enhancing the safety of both officers and the communities they serve. Because AI in public safety is still relatively new, we asked survey respondents about their concerns regarding AI technology and the extent to which they’re receiving training on AI tools.

Here’s a preview of key insights from the report and how AI is transforming the future of public safety.

Staffing shortages are accelerating AI adoption

Right now, officers spend just 36% of their time on community policing, while over half are consumed by administrative work. Adding on to that, there are increased pressures for service on law enforcement, with 911 calls having increased by 250% over the past 20 years. Only 14% of departments are operating at full capacity, which impacts response times, community safety and burnout, increased overtime and rising stress levels for officers.

These staffing shortages combined with increased demands on officers are one of the biggest drivers behind AI investment in public safety by offering agencies a way to shift the dynamic — taking over repetitive, time-consuming tasks so officers can focus on higher-impact work. Addressing those challenges was the driving force behind the report writing tool Draft One, which has contributed to over 100,000 incident reports and saved officers 2.2 million minutes—that's nearly 4 years of nonstop report writing, reclaimed for time spent in the field.

AI tools are enhancing officer and community safety

The benefits of AI extend beyond efficiency — officers say it’s also making their work safer. Nearly 7 out of 10 officers believe AI improves resource allocation, deploying the right personnel at the right time to ensure safety. In a Cobb County incident focused on apprehending a mass-shooting suspect, using Automated License Plate Reader technology (ALPR) officers were able to apprehend the suspect significantly faster than was previously possible.

Not only do AI tools reduce administrative burdens, but emerging solutions are improving the quality of interactions between law enforcement and the public. For example, Real-Time Translation with Axon Body 4 can foster clearer communication in diverse communities where multiple languages are spoken. This tool allows officers to communicate more easily with residents in the moment, reducing misunderstandings and building trust between law enforcement and the public. AI also has the potential to support officer development — Axon VR is exploring how to leverage machine learning to create realistic, data-driven scenarios that better prepare officers for real-world challenges.

Officers are calling for ethical guardrails on AI

While optimism around AI is strong, officers are also thinking critically about its role. Our study found that most agree that AI should support, not replace, human decision-making.

Concerns about bias, over-reliance and data privacy are top of mind. That’s why Axon’s Responsible Innovation Framework puts a strong emphasis on transparency, fairness and security. Officers want to understand how AI tools work and how decisions are made. Building trust in AI requires more than just good technology — it demands clear policies, ongoing training, and strong oversight to ensure these tools are used responsibly and effectively.

Through responsible innovation and a steadfast commitment to uniting human expertise and technology, Axon is partnering with public safety agencies to build a future where AI has the ability to lighten the load, strengthen community trust and help officers focus on what matters most.

Check out our full 2025 AI in Law Enforcement Trends Report for many more charts, stats and informative analysis.