Monash University and AFP launch expanded AI-based research centre

A Monash University and Australian Federal Police (AFP) joint research centre will harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to develop technology-based initiatives to support law enforcement and make global, local and online communities safer.

[L-R]: AiLECS Co-Director AFP LSC Dr Janis Dalins, Monash Faculty of Information Technology Dean Professor Ann Nicholson, Monash Interim Vice-Chancellor Professor Susan Elliott, AiLECS Co-Director Associate.

The new AI for Law Enforcement and Community Safety Lab (AiLECS), based at Monash University’s Faculty of Information Technology was launched as an expanded research centre.

Associate professor Campbell Wilson at Monash University said the research at AiLECS harnesses machine learning, natural language processing, network analysis and other techniques to support law enforcement in countering child abuse material, detecting and classifying illegal firearms, recognising misinformation and analysing large online criminal networks.

“While building these AI support systems we are focused on ensuring the datasets used to train our algorithms are ethically sourced because it is important to ensure AI used for the greater good is also produced responsibly,” he said.

AFP Deputy Commissioner Lesa Gale said the collaboration was vital for helping law enforcement agencies to disrupt tech-savvy criminals, who were increasingly using technology to facilitate illegal activities that presented national security, social and economic challenges.

”Our partnership with Monash University is an exceptional example of how we can adapt to the criminal challenges we are facing, but also provide the public with assurances that they need and deserve in relation to privacy concerns, AI and machine learning,” she said.   

AiLECS Co-Director and AFP Leading Senior Constable Dr Janis Dalins said it was critical for police across the globe to be active participants in emerging technologies.

“Through this collaboration we are able to combine global first research initiatives in AI and machine learning with law enforcement expertise and principles. We aim to be a voice for ethics and accountability in AI,” she said.     

AiLECS began as a research lab in 2019 and has since initiated several projects to help improve community safety and support law enforcement.

The AFP, through the Commonwealth Confiscated Assets Account, has expanded the AiLECS Lab’s activities under a four-year funding program. Monash University has also contributed to the expansion.