Leveraging emerging technologies to augment the Malta police force reporting system

Abstract

This study explores how emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence and Automation, may enhance the Malta Police Force’s (MPF) upcoming reporting system. The research adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative interviews with MPF inspectors, three controlled AI experiments focused on Report Writing, Administrative, and Predictive Assistants, and global horizon scanning. Interviews highlight the limitations of the current Reporting System, whilst identifying an upcoming Records Management System (RMS) to replace it. Horizon Scanning identifies numerous technologies which could further enhance this system, categorised as; AI Assistants, Smart Surveillance, and Reporting Automation. The experiments indicate that these significantly outperform human benchmarks across time, accuracy and completeness. These findings are framed using the Socio-Technical Systems (STS) framework and informed by current regulatory structures, including the EU AI Act and Law Enforcement Directive, to present a viable AI-enhanced RMS System for the MPF. Limitations including the district-level scope, modest sample size, and exclusive testing focus on AI assistants point towards the need for broader, cross-departmental research and expanded technology testing. Practically, the study recommends piloting AI assistants ahead of full RMS deployment, establishing an internal AI unit within the MPF, and engaging the judiciary in cross-agency coordination.