LA PLATA, Md. — The Charles County Artificial Intelligence (AI) Task Force presented a proposed AI policy on the responsible use of generative AI in county operations during a briefing on March 11. The policy, requested by the County Commissioners, aims to ensure that AI use is ethical, secure, and aligns with state guidelines.
Co-chaired by George Jenkins, information security officer, and Jennifer Harris, chief of media services, the AI Task Force has met bi-monthly over the past year to develop a policy outline. The team reviewed AI guidance from Maryland, New Jersey, and the city of San Jose and completed the National Association of Counties-endorsed AI Leadership Academy in fall 2024.
The proposed policy outlines AI user roles, ethical guidelines, and security protocols. It mandates fact-checking AI-generated content, prohibits sharing confidential data, and requires AI use disclosures. The policy also includes an approved list of AI tools and a review process for third-party AI vendors.
The proposed policy specifically addresses the use of generative AI, which assists in content creation and brainstorming but does not make autonomous decisions affecting public services. It does not apply to action-taking or responsive AI systems, such as those used in automated decision-making or predictive analytics that directly impact human interactions.
During the briefing, Commissioner Amanda Stewart emphasized the importance of education and proper AI usage across all county departments. She stressed that employees must be trained not only on how to use AI but also on the responsibility that comes with it. Stewart noted that AI-generated content should always be fact-checked and verified, as AI is not always correct.
Next steps for the task force include seeking formal approval, conducting ongoing research on AI best practices, and exploring the adoption of an enterprise AI system—a structured, organization-wide AI framework designed to integrate AI tools into government operations efficiently. This system would ensure AI technologies are used consistently across departments, improve workflow automation, and enhance data analysis capabilities. The county also plans to develop an AI roadmap to adapt as technology evolves from generative applications to predictive and prescriptive uses.
For more information, see the AI Task Force presentation here.
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AI does concern me.
“Stewart noted that AI-generated content should always be fact-checked and verified, as AI is not always correct.”
Understatement! Wouldn’t it be easier to NOT use AI and have a human, who knows the subject, do the work?