ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN THE POLICE INNOVATION AND ETHICAL USE -

The increasing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) within policing is transforming law enforcement practices, offering new capabilities for crime prevention, investigation, and public safety management. At the same time, the use of AI in policing raises significant ethical and legal challenges related to accountability, transparency, bias, privacy, and the protection of fundamental rights. This paper examines the intersection of artificial intelligence, police practices, ethics, and regulation, with a focus on how algorithmic decision-making affects the legitimacy and trustworthiness of law enforcement institutions. It analyzes key AI applications in policing—such as predictive policing, facial recognition, and automated risk assessment—and critically evaluates the ethical risks associated with these technologies, including discrimination, over-surveillance, and opacity in decision-making processes. Furthermore, the paper reviews existing and emerging regulatory frameworks at national and international levels, assessing their adequacy in addressing the unique challenges posed by AI-driven policing. By integrating ethical principles with legal and policy-based approaches, the paper argues for a balanced governance model that enables innovation while safeguarding human rights and democratic values. The study contributes to ongoing debates on responsible AI by proposing guiding principles and regulatory considerations for the ethical and accountable use of AI in modern policing systems. Keywords: Police, artificial intelligence, regulation, ethical use