Using AI in Animal Investigations

Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming a valuable tool for animal law enforcement and animal cruelty investigations—but AI is an assistant, not the investigator.

This course introduces practical ways investigators can use AI to organize case information, analyze documents, identify gaps in an investigation, develop timelines, assist with report writing, review evidence, and support investigative preparation. Participants will explore how AI can help bring large amounts of case information together and make it easier to identify important facts, questions, and follow-up needs.

The course also focuses on the critical boundaries of AI use. Participants will learn why AI should not be relied upon to determine probable cause, establish credibility, make seizure or arrest decisions, diagnose animals, determine whether a crime occurred, or replace professional judgment. The investigator remains responsible for evaluating the evidence and making the decisions.

Through practical examples and investigation-focused scenarios, participants will learn how to use AI effectively while maintaining evidence integrity, source attribution, confidentiality, and professional accountability.

Key topics include:

• AI-assisted case organization and analysis
• Building investigative timelines
• Identifying evidence gaps and follow-up questions
• AI-assisted report writing
• Reviewing photographs and scene documentation
• Source attribution and evidence integrity
• Recognizing AI errors, bias, and unsupported conclusions
• Establishing appropriate boundaries for AI-assisted investigations

Core principle: AI can help, but AI does not replace the investigator.