Ohio Homeland Security unveils new AI suspicious activity reporting system

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WKBN) — Ohio Homeland Security (OHS) announced the launch of a new suspicious activity reporting system that uses artificial intelligence to gather information on potential threats of violence.

Developed by OHS and its private partner Vigiliti, the Safeguard Ohio app uses AI to encourage users to provide as much information as possible to help law enforcement investigate suspicious activity.

Users can use the app to submit photos, videos and audio of incidents and remain anonymous.

The submitted information is reported in real-time to the Statewide Terrorism Analysis and Crime Center. Analysts review the content and report it to the appropriate authorities.

The new Safeguard Ohio replaces OHS’s current online reporting method, which requires people to fill out a form.

“Events that threaten the safety of Ohioans can be hard to predict, but they can be prevented with help from timely, detailed tips from the public,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “This new app simplifies the process to get information to law enforcement quickly and conveniently.”

“One of the best attributes of this new system is the ability to upload video and photos,” said Andy Wilson, director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety. “More and more people these days — especially our younger generation — don’t like to talk on the phone. This new reporting method will result in more detailed information being shared with the authorities. That’s exactly what we want. Better information leads to better investigations.”

The app is not a replacement for calling 911. In the event of an emergency, the app will prompt users to call 911 instead.

“The AI-infused prompts are essential components of this new system,” said Mark Porter, OHS executive director. “We will get the high-quality intelligence we need to act on a tip through this new system. The AI is trained to keep asking questions until the person reporting says they have no more information about the incident.”

Safeguard Ohio can take reports in 10 different languages besides English: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Haitian, Hindi, Nepalese, Somali, Spanish and Yiddish.

You can learn more about using the app by watching this video.