San Diego Police Department Bans AI in Report Writing
The San Diego Police Department issued a memo in December 2025 prohibiting officers from using AI tools to write reports unless the department explicitly approves them. The department currently authorizes no AI tools for this purpose.
The policy follows California's Senate Bill 524, which requires state agencies to adopt formal policies governing AI use in report writing. The law also mandates that departments disclose which AI tools officers use, track who edited reports, and document what video footage was incorporated.
What the Policy Covers
Officers cannot use any unapproved AI programs when drafting reports. This applies broadly to generative tools and other software that assist with writing.
The ban reflects a wider tension in law enforcement: balancing efficiency gains against concerns about accuracy, accountability, and transparency in official documents.
Why This Matters for Writers
The San Diego case illustrates how organizations are setting boundaries around AI for Writers in regulated industries. Report writing demands precision and legal defensibility-stakes that differ from other writing contexts.
Understanding Generative AI and LLM capabilities and limitations becomes essential for professionals working in fields where AI use faces scrutiny or restriction.
Other agencies will likely face similar decisions as state and federal regulations tighten around AI in official documentation.
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