Behind the Hype: The Troubling Reality of AI in Policing
In an ambitious bid to revolutionize law enforcement, San Mateo County invested a staggering $12 million into an AI surveillance system developed by billionaire Tom Siebel’s C3 AI. Marketed as a groundbreaking tool to enhance police work, the system—dubbed “Sherlock”—promised to streamline investigations and bring a new era of efficiency to the field. Yet, three years down the line, local law enforcement officials report a disconnect between the anticipated benefits and the present reality.
As technological innovation continues to speed forward, the challenges of integrating advanced systems into existing frameworks often prove daunting. The initial excitement surrounding the AI system was palpable. With the potential to sift through vast amounts of data and offer insights that could lead to swifter resolutions in criminal cases, it seemed as if the future of policing was at hand.
However, officers in San Mateo County now voice a growing sentiment of frustration. The promised improvements have yet to materialize, leading many to question the effectiveness of such high-tech solutions in real-world applications. This situation raises critical questions not only about the viability of AI in law enforcement but also about the broader implications of technology in public safety.
C3 AI’s foray into policing serves as a striking case study in the challenges that even the most well-budgeted and theoretically sound projects can face. The initial investment may have been significant, but the follow-through on implementation, training, and real-world deployment seems to have lagged significantly behind.
As this narrative unfolds, “This Billionaire’s AI Was Supposed To Speed Up Policing. It’s Not Going Well” invites viewers to engage with the less glamorous side of technological advancement in law enforcement. It’s a story about ambition meeting reality, raising important discussions about the role of AI in society, accountability in public service, and the expectations we place on technology.
For those following the evolving dialogue around innovation, ethics, and practicality in policing, this video offers a critical look at the intersection of billion-dollar ideas and their tangible impact on everyday life—a reminder that not all that glitters is gold, especially in the realm of technology.
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Video “This Billionaire’s AI Was Supposed To Speed Up Policing. It’s Not Going Well.” was uploaded on 09/16/2025 to Dailymotion Channel Forbes