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Camera or cop

Understanding the procedurally just nature of AI-based camera and police officer detected Mobile phone offending

Journal Article (2026)
Author(s)

Verity Truelove (USC – University of the Sunshine Coast)

Levi Anderson (USC – University of the Sunshine Coast)

Lyndel Bates (Griffith University)

Oscar Oviedo-Trespalacios (TU Delft - Technology, Policy and Management)

Research Group
Safety and Security Science
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trf.2026.103607 Final published version
More Info
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Publication Year
2026
Language
English
Research Group
Safety and Security Science
Journal title
Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour
Volume number
119
Article number
103607
Downloads counter
16
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Abstract

This study investigates the application of procedural justice principles to police and AI-based camera enforcement of mobile phone use while driving. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, two studies were conducted: qualitative interviews with 26 police officers and a quantitative survey of 292 drivers. The interviews explored officers' perceptions of fairness, respect, trustworthy motives, and voice during enforcement interactions, and compared this with their understanding of AI-Based enforcement. The survey compared drivers' perceptions of these procedural justice dimensions across police and camera enforcement. The interview results provided a unique perspective on how the procedural justice principles could be applied to experiences of police enforcement of phone use while driving, and also qualitatively compared police and camera enforcement for this offence. The survey results indicate that among drivers, police enforcement is perceived as significantly more procedurally just, particularly regarding listening, respect, and politeness, with effect sizes ranging from small to moderate. These findings suggest that the human element in police interactions plays a critical role in fostering public trust and perceived legitimacy, which may not be replicated by automated camera systems. The study highlights the need for careful consideration of procedural justice principles in the implementation of technological enforcement methods to ensure they complement, rather than undermine, established justice practices.