TULSA (KTUL) — Oklahoma could be on the path to leading the nation in using artificial intelligence to monitor people on parole and probation.
The state has the opportunity to be the first state in the country to use a program called Absolute ID, which uses AI, biometrics, and location tracking to monitor people on parole and probation.
The $2 million pilot program is developed by Montana-based Global Accountability.
It would require facial or fingerprint scans for check-ins through smartphones or smartwatches. The AI system can flag concerns for officers to review — tracking patterns like changes in travel, missed check-ins, or even how often devices are charged.
Supporters say the system could reduce officer workload and help with reintegration while potentially saving the state money.
Others, like Rep. Jim Olsen, R-Roland, have concerns about costs and the risks of Oklahoma being the first state to take on the technology.
“I have the interest of the Oklahoma taxpayer in mind here, is that I don’t really want to spend more on this than we are right now, because if we spend more, somebody pays for that, and that’s you and I, and that’s the Oklahoma taxpayer as well, and it may cost more initially. And my thought is, let somebody else take, take that initial high cost,” he said.