Ohio Homeland Security is taking “see something, say something” to the next level with the launch of the Safeguard Ohio app for gathering information. It is meant to encourage users to provide information that will help law enforcement investigate suspicious activity. Bells and whistles include the ability to upload video, audio and photos — all while the tipster remains anonymous.

“Events that threaten the safety of Ohioans can be hard to predict, but they can be prevented with help from timely, detailed tips from the public,” said Gov. Mike DeWine. “This new app simplifies the process to get information to law enforcement quickly and conveniently.”

That could be a wonderful thing, as it IS important for Ohioans to look out for one another and work to keep each other safe. But anyone who is already on edge in this tense political environment can likely spot the potential for abuse, too.

Safeguard Ohio is the first in the country to use this kind of technology this way.

“The AI infused prompts are essential components of this new system,” said OHS Executive Director Mark Porter. “We will get the high-quality intelligence we need to act on a tip through this new system. The AI is trained to keep asking questions until the person reporting says they have no more information about the incident.”

Let us hope it is also trained to ask questions that weed out tips prompted by some people’s desire to stir up trouble for someone of whom they are suspicious for misinformed or even hateful reasons; or other calls that might waste time and effort.

Safeguard Ohio could be an important tool for law enforcement, even taking into account the potential for its usefulness to be corrupted. If used responsibly, the app could provide better access to law enforcement for those who are anxious about interacting with those agencies and have real information about genuinely suspicious behavior.