Bay Area police department uses AI to reassure Spanish-speaking community about immigration

(KRON) — In a world where artificial intelligence is seemingly being deployed for an increasing variety of uses, one Bay Area police department is using the technology to reach Spanish speakers. The San Jose Police Department announced on Tuesday it was using AI in a new video message featuring SJPD Chief Paul Joseph.

In the message, SJPD used AI to convert Joseph’s voice into Spanish. The video, according to SJPD, was “designed to reach San Jose’s diverse communities in the languages they speak at home, including Spanish.”

The AI message comes at a time when federal immigration enforcement has left many immigrants and Spanish-speakers unsure of where they stand with law enforcement.

“I believe we have community members that are afraid to report crimes because of concerns over immigration,” Joseph said. “I’m willing to use any tool available, including AI to get the message out to our community that you can call San Jose Police for help, and we will not ask your immigration status. I want them to hear that message directly from me.”

In the video, Chief Joseph tells viewers, “That San Jose Police Department does not participate in immigration enforcement. Our mission is public safety for everyone.”

By using AI translation tools, SJPD was able to record the video using the chief’s own voice, despite him speaking in a language he does not speak fluently. SJPD hopes this makes the video “more personal and easier to understand for community members to trust and understand.”

“The intent is not to showcase technology, but to remove language as a barrier to hearing reassurance directly from the leader of the police department,” SJPD said.

The video, SJPD said, emphasizes that officers won’t enforce federal immigration laws or ask someone’s immigration status. The video also encourages people to report crimes without fear of immigration consequences.

“This is exactly the kind of innovation we should be leading with,” said Mayor Matt Mahan. “Using AI to break down language barriers and connect directly with our residents is a smart, compassionate use of technology. I want to thank the San Jose Police Department for making sure every San Jose family, no matter what language they speak, knows they can trust and rely on their police department.”

SJPD said it plans to use AI to add more languages in future videos “to reflect the diversity” of San Jose.