DOJ · DOJ-0225 · record R1653

Axon Video Retention Solution (VRS) - object recognition and redaction

Department of Justice · Department of Justice / USMS

Overview

Development stage: DeployedSource: c) Deployed – The use case is being actively authorized or utilized to support the functions or mission of an agency.
High-impact designation: High-impactSource: a) High-impact
Impact justification: Not reported
Start date: 2021-02 (month precision)Source: 02/2021
Withheld from public reporting: NoSource: a) No

Mission

Topic area: Law Enforcement
Operational functions: FOIA and records management Derived by keyword rules; see methodology

Problem the AI is intended to solve

The Object Recognition AI capabilities present in the Axon Evidence Redaction suite creates first-pass results for potential desired redactions of individual's faces, license plates and computer terminals. The AI is intended to reduce manual work effort and reduce the time it takes to redact video and audio footage.

Expected benefits

This product allows for the protection of identities of Law Enforcement Officers and the public. The only subjects not blurred/redacted are of the target(s) of the arrest. In addition the expected benefits for using the object recognition capability includes reduced USMS personnel time required to produce redacted footage and obviate the need to procure outside redaction services.

System outputs

Draft video file with USMS-selected desired redaction areas (faces, license plates or computer terminals) Note: Redacted file is not complete until human intervention validates and/or corrects AI suggestions.

Technology

AI classification: Computer visionSource: Computer Vision: AI that processes and interprets visual data (e.g., images and videos).
System name(s): Redacted for cybersecurity purposes.
Custom-developed code: No
Public source code: Not reported

Sourcing

How it was built: Purchased from vendorSource: a) Purchased from a vendor
Vendor (as reported): Axon Enterprise, Inc.
Vendors (standardized): Axon

A vendor is the supplier named by the agency. It does not identify the underlying model or AI technology.

Data and privacy

Involves PII: Yes
Privacy Impact Assessment: Not reported
Authorization to Operate: Yes
Demographic features: k) None of the above
Training and evaluation data: The case owner relied on DOJ AI governance practices to select and prepare data, as well as evaluate performance.
Federal Data Catalog: Not reported

Governance

8 of 8 minimum-practice questions answered. A blank answer means the agency reported nothing; it does not mean the practice is absent.

Pre-deployment testingReported in progressSource: b) In-progress

AI impact assessmentReported in progressSource: b) In-progress

Independent reviewReported in progressSource: d) In-progress

Ongoing monitoringReported in progressSource: b) Development of monitoring protocols is in-progress

Operator trainingReported in progressSource: b) Establishment of sufficient and periodic training is in-progress

Fail-safeReported in progressSource: c) In-progress

Appeal processReported in progressSource: c) Establishment of an appropriate appeal process is in-progress

User and public consultationReported in progressSource: e) In-progress

Potential impacts and how they were identified

Consistent with Executive Orders and OMB guidance, the case owner relied on DOJ AI governance practices to evaluate impacts and risks.