David Lawrence, a Harvard Law dropout, co-founded Blue Voice, an AI startup based in Boston that aims to provide police officers with real-time access to department-specific policies and protocols. The idea emerged after Lawrence witnessed a controversial police incident on campus and recognized that officers often make critical decisions relying solely on memory or best guesses in complex situations. Blue Voice harnesses AI trained on detailed laws, guidelines, and local ordinances that generic AI tools like ChatGPT can’t access, offering officers instant, accurate policy guidance on their phones.

Blue Voice has raised $6 million in a funding round led by SignalFire and Las Olas VC, coming out of stealth after three years of development. Currently, the platform is actively used by officers in 225 county agencies across 25 states. It functions similarly to Harvey for lawyers by providing legal clarity and OpenEvidence for doctors, but tailored specifically to law enforcement. Instead of prescribing actions, Blue Voice points users to the relevant original laws, allowing officers to make informed decisions combining AI guidance with their field experience.

The platform has already had tangible real-world impacts, such as helping a rookie officer confirm legal authority to intervene in a suspected child enticement case, and reminding a police chief to require a mental health evaluation before reinstating an officer after a shooting. Police departments are seeing measurable benefits, including fewer operational controversies and reduced crime, fueling an elevenfold growth in Blue Voice’s customer base over the past year. The startup also plans to expand capabilities, including tools assisting detectives in solving cold cases.

Lawrence emphasizes that Blue Voice represents the responsible use of AI in policing, a sector often scrutinized for surveillance technology missteps. By focusing on transparency and adherence to civil rights, the platform aims to improve public safety without compromising privacy or ethics. Lawrence, who has a background in public service and political work, believes this mission offers the most impactful path for his career, leveraging AI innovation to support officers in critical moments.