TRU Thoughts Blog

How Criminal Defense is Using AI: What That Means for Law Enforcement

Written by Anthony Tassone | Aug 8, 2025 12:35:36 PM

Artificial intelligence is changing the legal landscape; not just for law enforcement but for criminal defense attorneys as well. What used to take hours of manual review is now being accelerated by tools designed to scan transcripts, analyze video, and surface potential inconsistencies faster than ever.

One such example is REV, a platform that offers AI-powered transcription and review services, with features specifically marketed to defense attorneys. REV promotes its ability to help identify discrepancies in officer statements and body-worn camera footage, tools that can be used to shape courtroom strategy.

This emerging trend is not about assigning blame; it’s simply a new reality. AI is becoming part of the defense toolkit, and law enforcement should be aware.

A New Era of Cross-Examination

Defense attorneys have always looked for inconsistencies in testimony; obviously, that’s a part of their job. However, with AI, that process is becoming faster, more precise, and increasingly data-driven.

This new capability brings important implications for law enforcement:

  • A small difference between an interview and a report may now be flagged by software, not a person.
  • A single turn of phrase might become the focal point in a line of questioning.
  • Departments could unknowingly rely on technology partners that also serve the opposing side.

These developments don’t mean AI is “against” law enforcement, but they do highlight the need for departments to ask tough questions about the tools they’re using.

TRULEO’s Commitment to Supporting Law Enforcement

TRULEO has been approached by criminal defense attorneys requesting access to our technology. While we understand their interest, we’ve made a clear and consistent decision not to license our software for those purposes. We feel that it would be a conflict of interest, and we would never do anything to hurt or harm our law enforcement partners. 

Our mission is simple: give officers and departments the tools they need to succeed. Whether it’s through faster case review, improved training insights, or better courtroom preparation, TRULEO’s AI is designed to help those who serve. 

With TRULEO, agencies can:

  • Review body-worn camera footage more efficiently
  • Surface key moments of excellence and areas for coaching
  • Generate summaries and insights to prepare for court
  • Promote professionalism, wellness, and officer development

Bottom Line: Be Informed, Not Surprised

Tools like REV and others are already in use by criminal defense teams. Law enforcement leaders should take the time to educate themselves on the capabilities of such technology.

While AI is not inherently good or bad, it is a tool. Like any tool, the outcome depends on how it’s built, who it’s built for, and how it can/will be used.

At TRULEO, we believe law enforcement deserves technology built with intention, integrity, and respect for the profession. That’s why our platform is exclusively designed to support officers and agencies in delivering trusted, high-quality service to the communities they protect.