New york: Artificial intelligence and digital technologies are transforming every aspect of our lives, including policing, said UN Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres on the third International Day of Police Cooperation, observed on 7 September every year. "We reaffirm that technology must serve the public good. Digital tools -- including AI -- offer powerful capabilities: enhancing investigations, expanding access to justice, and helping prevent crime and terrorism. Used responsibly, they can strengthen the effectiveness, transparency, and accountability of police institutions around the world," Guterres added.
According to Emirates News Agency, Guterres emphasized that modernisation must be anchored in values, ensuring that these tools are deployed in ways that uphold human rights, mitigate bias, and comply with international law. He stressed that in critical decisions, technology must never replace human judgment, nor diminish the role of trained, professional, and ethical police officers committed to those they serve. "In the life-altering decisions police make each day, humanity must remain at the core," he stated.
Guterres concluded by urging for cooperation to harness innovation to rebuild trust and foster community-oriented policing. He highlighted the importance of shaping a future of safety and justice for all, underscoring the need for technology to be an aid, not a replacement, for human-led policing efforts.