Ohio launches ‘first-in-nation’ AI chatbot that allows users to report suspicious activity

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Ohio recently launched a first-of-its-kind artificial intelligence chatbot that allows residents to submit tips to law enforcement about suspicious activity. 

Ohio Homeland Security (OHS), a division of the Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS), developed the online system alongside the software company Vigiliti. The multilingual program, dubbed Safeguard Ohio, is the first statewide application in the country to use AI to assist with gathering crime tips, according to OHS. 

Through the system, users can report suspicious activity and upload relevant video, audio and photos, while having the option to remain anonymous. When users submit information through the platform, the AI chatbot will ask follow-up questions.

“This AI chatbot is designed to ask the type of questions that are designed to solicit the information that we need to properly assess the threat,” said Andy Wilson, director of the ODPS. “If you put a general description, but you didn’t put where it happened or you didn’t put what the suspect’s clothing was, the chatbot will pick up on that and ask you.”

Before the launch of Safeguard Ohio, for the past two decades, people who wanted to submit a tip to OHS would have to do so through an online form or phone call. Mark Porter, executive director of OHS, said the state agency saw dwindling numbers of reports over the years, which prompted it to explore developing the app.

“If you saw something suspicious and you were out, you would have had to have gone home, logged on, filled out the form, et cetera,” Porter said. “Now people can do this and report things instantaneously.”

The platform quietly launched on Aug. 6 after two years of development, with the state releasing a formal announcement on Sept. 12. Porter said OHS is already seeing an increase in tips. Before the system’s launch, the office would average 25-30 tips a month, and in August alone, it saw over 90.

Users can select from eight categories to report a tip, including drug-related activity, human trafficking, terrorism, school threats and crimes against children. 

Information submitted to the chatbot is reported to the Statewide Terrorism Analysis and Crime Center, which is staffed 24/7. Analysts at the center immediately review the tips and notify the proper local, state or federal law enforcement agencies. 

Wilson emphasized that the system is not a substitute for 911, and should not be used during an emergency where there is an imminent threat of crime or harm. However, Safeguard Ohio’s AI can identify reports requiring an urgent response and will prompt individuals to call 911 in those instances, according to Porter. 

“Maybe [a user is] describing a group of young men with masks that are at Nationwide Arena and all of a sudden as they’re reporting, [the men] open up the back of a box truck and they have guns,” Porter said. “The chatbot is designed to stop asking them any questions and direct them to call 911.”

Wilson said the application is designed to be “user-friendly,” as seen in its offering of 10 languages, including English, Spanish, Somali and Arabic. Additionally, users will receive a unique QR code that will allow them to add follow-up information to the report after its initial submission. 

“It’s all of our responsibility when we see something that is out of sorts, when we see something that we feel is suspicious or dangerous or a threat or criminal activity, then we need to pick up this app and submit the information,” Wilson said. 

OHS paid Vigiliti about $200,000 from its general fund for the initial development of the platform, according to Porter. The agency also signed a two-year contract with the company for $250,000 annually to cover system maintenance, 24/7 technical support and integration of the program with the agency’s existing case management platform.

Residents can access the chatbot at safeguard.ohio.gov.