When most people think of forensic sketches, they imagine an artist carefully drawing a suspect's face based on a witness's memory, a process that has remained largely unchanged for decades. While forensic artists continue to play an essential role in criminal investigations, the City of Goodyear, Arizona Police Department (GYPD) is demonstrating how artificial intelligence can enhance, not replace, that expertise.

By integrating AI into the forensic sketch process, Goodyear is helping investigators generate more realistic images, respond more quickly to developing cases, and increase public engagement in criminal investigations. The initiative is proving that thoughtfully implemented AI can strengthen public safety while preserving professional judgment and public trust.

Modernizing a Critical Investigative Tool

In today's digital world, the public expects timely information and highly visual communication. Traditional forensic sketches often require hours to complete, and making revisions based on new witness information can mean starting over from scratch.

Recognizing these challenges, the Goodyear Police Department adopted AI-assisted forensic sketch technology as an investigative support tool. Rather than replacing forensic artists, the technology allows trained personnel to create a baseline sketch and then rapidly generate realistic variations based on witness descriptions, including changes to facial features, age progression, hairstyles, or other identifying characteristics.

What once required hours can now be accomplished in minutes, allowing investigators to release updated suspect images while investigative leads are still fresh.

Human Expertise Remains at the Center

One of the defining features of Goodyear's approach is its commitment to keeping people, not technology, in control of the process.

AI serves as a creative and analytical assistant, while experienced forensic artists maintain complete oversight of every image released to the public. This balance ensures that investigative integrity, professional expertise, and legal standards remain intact while dramatically improving efficiency.

The result is a process that combines the speed of emerging technology with the judgment that only trained professionals can provide.

Better Images Lead to Better Investigations

The primary purpose of a forensic sketch is simple: generate leads.

Since implementing AI-assisted sketching, Goodyear has seen more realistic images attract greater public attention, resulting in increased tips and actionable investigative leads compared to traditional sketches. By producing lifelike images quickly, investigators are able to reach a broader audience during the critical early stages of an investigation, improving the likelihood that someone recognizes a suspect and comes forward with valuable information.

Beyond improving investigative outcomes, the technology has enhanced service delivery without requiring additional staffing or major infrastructure investments. Clearer images, faster turnaround times, and greater public engagement have combined to make the department more responsive and effective.

A Scalable Innovation for Agencies of All Sizes

Another strength of the initiative is its accessibility.

Rather than relying on expensive, specialized equipment, the Goodyear Police Department utilizes readily available digital tools that can be adapted to meet forensic needs. This makes the approach practical for agencies of varying sizes and budgets.

The department also emphasizes that successful implementation requires collaboration across multiple disciplines. Investigators, forensic personnel, command staff, public information officers, prosecutors, and legal advisors all played important roles in ensuring the technology supported investigative goals, met legal requirements, and maintained public confidence.

National Recognition for Responsible AI

Goodyear's innovative work has attracted attention well beyond Arizona.

The department's AI-assisted forensic sketch process has been featured by national and international media, and agencies across the country have sought guidance on implementing similar approaches. The National Association of Forensic Artists has also begun studying Goodyear's model, recognizing its potential to influence future standards for forensic sketching.

These collaborations are helping establish a framework for responsible AI adoption in law enforcement while positioning Goodyear as a leader in modern investigative practices.

Lessons for Local Government

Goodyear's experience offers valuable insights for governments exploring the use of artificial intelligence:

• AI is most effective when it enhances human expertise rather than replacing it.

• Emerging technologies should be implemented with input from operational, legal, communications, and leadership stakeholders.

• Practical, mission-focused applications often deliver greater value than technology adopted simply for novelty.

• Even relatively low-cost AI tools can produce measurable improvements in public service when implemented thoughtfully.

As communities continue to explore responsible applications of artificial intelligence, Goodyear's success demonstrates that innovation is not about replacing people, it's about equipping them with better tools to serve the public more effectively.

For local governments seeking practical examples of AI delivering measurable public value, the City of Goodyear's AI-assisted forensic sketch initiative provides a compelling model for the future.

For more information contact Sergeant Mayra Reeson at mreeson@goodyearaz.gov. This case study was submitted during the 2026 TLG case study submittal process. Goodyear’s full case study can be found on the Alliance for Innovation Member Circle here.  Join The Circle here.

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