Westbrook Police Department Apologizes for AI-Generated Photo Snafu

Strategic Insights -

The Westbrook Police Department in Maine issued a public apology after accidentally sharing an image of seized drugs that had been altered by an artificial intelligence tool. The initial post, which included the altered photo, was deleted, and a follow-up post admitted the error and shared the original photograph. The department attributed the mistake to an officer using a photoshop app to add the department's patch to the photo, which altered the image's attributes.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Westbrook Police Department initially shared an altered photo of seized drugs on its Facebook page, claiming it was not AI-generated.
  • The department later admitted that the photo was indeed altered by an artificial intelligence tool, which was used to add the department's patch.
  • The department shared the original photograph, which was taken by an officer involved in the drug bust.
  • The officer used a photoshop app to add the department's patch to the photo, without realizing it would alter the image.
  • The department apologized for the oversight and said it was a valuable lesson learned.
  • The police department stated that it considers the incident a valuable lesson learned, and that the altered image distracted from the message police wanted to share, which is that dangerous drugs have been removed from the community.
  • Six people were charged in connection with the drug bust, including charges for aggravated trafficking in scheduled drugs, unlawful possession of methamphetamine, and violation of conditions of release.

Statistics:

  • Approximately 61 grams of fentanyl and 23 grams of methamphetamine were seized in connection with the drug bust.
  • Six people were charged in connection with the drug bust.
  • The people charged were Sara Dymond, 46, of Westbrook; Christopher Cavallaro, 45, of Scarborough; Saddiq Ali, 32, of Portland; Daniel Beausang, 37, of Portland; Jordan Madsen, 26; Erica Mathies, 25, of Standish.
  • The drug arrest occurred at a Brackett Street residence in Westbrook, Maine.

Sources:

  • Westbrook Police Department (Facebook post)
  • Westbrook Police Department (follow-up Facebook post)
  • Norah Hogan (interview with Westbrook Police Capt. Steve Goldberg)
  • Maine's Total Coverage (report)