The Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office is set to implement artificial intelligence tools in its efforts to investigate online child exploitation. This initiative reflects a broader trend in North Texas, where law enforcement agencies increasingly turn to advanced technology to tackle complex cases.
The recent agreement approved by Tarrant County commissioners grants the sheriff’s office access to two AI platforms—Gracie and Transaction Intercept—developed by Street Grace, a nonprofit organization collaborating with law enforcement across the nation. This initiative is also supported by Microsoft.
The agreement specifies that the tools will analyze publicly available online data to identify patterns associated with child exploitation and trafficking. County officials have indicated that these programs are designed to assist investigators in managing large datasets more effectively, rather than replacing conventional law enforcement methods.
The adoption of AI in policing has expanded significantly in recent years. For example, Dallas Police utilize a facial recognition system during felony investigations. Similarly, the Fort Worth police department employs automatic license plate reader software to track down wanted vehicles.
Howard Williams, a criminal justice professor at Texas State University and a former police chief, raised concerns about the reliability of AI-generated findings in legal proceedings. He stated, “Just because the computer told you so is seldom sufficient reason. You’ve still got to go out and find witnesses to verify it, gather documents, and collect supporting evidence. Without that, you’re not going to have a solid case.”
Williams notes that this perspective echoes how prosecutors and law enforcement have historically approached emerging technologies. “New technologies, as they develop, provide valuable investigative leads that can sometimes be used as evidence,” he explained. “However, similar to previous advancements, we still need to verify these leads in real-world scenarios to support a case.”
During the commissioners’ court meeting on January 7, where the agreement was ratified, county officials emphasized that the software utilizes solely open-source intelligence and does not access or retain any county data.
The sheriff’s office clarified that the tools would primarily serve as a preventive measure, flagging potentially harmful online behavior and directing individuals to available resources instead of automatically initiating criminal cases.
Additionally, the agreement includes a non-disclosure agreement between the sheriff’s office and the company, obliging the office to restrict any public information requests concerning the platforms that could expose “proprietary information.”
The NDA specifies that all details regarding Gracie and Transaction Intercept are deemed proprietary, including “information on who uses these platforms and their components.” However, Williams pointed out that such broad claims of confidentiality might be challenged under Texas public record law. “The attorney general will likely have to make decisions on that; at some point, someone will request that information,” he noted.
Commissioner Alisa Simmons, who opposed the agreement, acknowledged the importance of safeguarding children but expressed concerns regarding oversight, transparency, and the introduction of new technologies in the criminal justice system. “Our duty is to balance public safety with constitutional protections,” Simmons asserted. “While protecting children from exploitation is among the most crucial responsibilities of any government, it does not override the imperative to safeguard civil liberties.”
Simmons also voiced her hesitation about endorsing a platform that had not undergone a competitive bidding process or been assessed against comparable tools. “Child exploitation is a serious issue for me,” she stated. “At the same time, I want to ensure that we protect people from wrongful identification and unintended consequences.”
Williams acknowledged that apprehensions about civil liability arise whenever new technology joins policing efforts, although he stressed that lawsuits alone are unlikely to deter agencies from implementing AI tools. “The critical aspect is how courts will eventually define acceptable use,” he indicated.
“Winning a case is a separate concern,” he added. “At some point, courts will likely intervene and establish limits.” Experts note that variations of software aimed at diminishing workloads have long been integrated into law enforcement.
According to Corey Clark, an associate professor of computer science at Southern Methodist University and deputy director of research at SMU Guildhall, tools designed to analyze data and identify trends have been part of policing for years. The notable shift in recent times has been the increased visibility and interactivity of AI technologies.
“When people hear the term ‘AI’ today, they often think of large language models and chatbots. However, using GPS to navigate is also a form of AI that people utilize daily,” Clark explained. He mentioned that one driving factor behind agencies’ pivot toward AI tools is the overwhelming volume of information officers need to handle.
“We spoke with the North Texas Trafficking Task Force, and they mentioned handling case files that contain up to 70,000 pages of documents,” Clark said. “How can we expect someone to manually review 70,000 pages? That becomes an insurmountable task, and that’s just one case.”
Public sentiment will likely influence the types of technologies deployed as AI becomes more prevalent. Clark believes that how law enforcement agencies embrace certain tools will depend on public perception. “If the public views AI negatively, it could hinder the deployment of extensive AI systems,” he noted. “Nonetheless, the integration of AI will not cease.”
County officials assert that the agreement aims to provide investigators with another means to protect children while still relying on human discernment. For the time being, the AI platforms will function as supplementary investigative aids rather than substitutes for traditional policing methods as the region navigates the evolving role of technology in public safety.
As law enforcement agencies in North Texas continue to explore AI tools, experts agree that maintaining transparency and setting clear limitations will be crucial to preserving public trust.
“There are significant opportunities ahead,” Clark stated. “If we want to keep people safe, particularly children, we need adaptive and automated systems in place.”
Emmanuel Rivas Valenzuela is KERA’s breaking news reporter. For tips, contact Emmanuel at erivas@kera.org.
KERA News relies on the generosity of its members. If you find this reporting valuable, consider making a tax-deductible donation today. Thank you.
