Police AI Photo Edit Sparks Public Outcry
The Westbrook Police Department found itself in hot water after a social media post meant to highlight a successful drug bust backfired, sparking a debate about the use of AI in law enforcement and the integrity of evidence.
An AI-Altered Evidence Photo Goes Public
Following an arrest on Brackett Street where meth and fentanyl were seized, an officer from the Westbrook Police Department decided to post a photo of the evidence. The goal was simple: add the department's logo to the image to identify them as the arresting agency. However, the method used was anything but traditional.
Instead of placing a physical patch in the photo, the officer used ChatGPT to generate a new image with the logo included. The result was a bizarrely altered picture that was quickly called out by the public online. Commenters noticed several strange differences compared to the original photo, including missing "cookie" stickers on packaging, altered lettering, and changes in the color and appearance of items like a spoon and some drug residue.
The Department's Explanation and Apology
Faced with public criticism, the Westbrook PD issued an apology, explaining that their intention was never to manipulate the image of the evidence. Westbrook Police Captain Steven Goldberg admitted the results of the AI edit were baffling.
“When we look and compare the two photos, it’s really bizarre as to what that app did to the photo,” Goldberg said. “It got rid of those cookie cutter packaging, it completely redid the lettering of some of the packages and it seemed to alter some of the things we took pictures of... we don’t have a good explanation why.”
To prove their transparency, the department invited media outlets to view the actual evidence, stressing that this was a learning moment. "We are holding ourselves accountable by being upfront with it," Goldberg added, clarifying their only goal is to show dangerous drugs have been removed from the community. The original arrest was part of a larger operation where six people were ultimately charged.
Public Reaction and Questions of Trust
The incident raised serious questions among residents about technology and transparency. Jessica Wellman, a local who commented on the post, voiced her concerns.
"The fact that the person who posted it and put it through ChatGPT didn't notice the differences because they were very obvious...it makes me wonder how much people understand about technology and how easy it is to fool people," Wellman said. Her statement captures the core of the public's unease: if law enforcement doesn't fully grasp the tools they're using, how can the public trust the information they share?
Investigation Continues Despite Photo Controversy
Despite the social media blunder, Westbrook police have confirmed that the investigation will proceed and the charges against the suspects will not be dropped. The original, unaltered evidence and photographs remain secure and valid for the prosecution. The incident serves as a stark reminder for all organizations about the unpredictable nature of generative AI and the importance of vigilance when using such powerful technology.
