MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. (AP) — Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido announced today the launch of a new podcast aimed at giving residents a closer look at the work of his office, and he’s turning to artificial intelligence to help produce it.
“If we can use AI tools to make our work more transparent for taxpayers, that’s a win for everyone,” said Lucido.
Lucido said the program is generated using Google’s AI tools, at no cost to the county, which may make it the first podcast of its kind created by a Michigan public official. The artificial intelligence turns written material into a narrated, conversational-style audio summary.
The show, titled “Prosecutor Pete’s Podcast,” will feature rundowns of recent cases and activities in the prosecutor’s office, as well as behind-the-scenes insights into the teamwork that goes into pursuing justice in Michigan’s third-largest county.
“The goal is transparency,” Lucido said. “I want people to know not just about the successes, but also the challenges we in law enforcement face. If the public better understands how our office works, I believe it will give them more confidence in the criminal justice system overall.”
The podcast comes as part of a broader modernization effort under Lucido’s leadership. His office has rolled out a new case management system and a digital evidence management platform. Lucido credited the Macomb County Board of Commissioners for working in a bipartisan manner to support the changes.
Since taking office in 2021, Lucido has sought to stabilize the prosecutor’s office following what he described as “turbulent times” under prior leadership, transforming it into a nationally award-winning operation.
The podcast will be released regularly and available online to the public on YouTube.
The first episode may be heard here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSfqIYQzsg8
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Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office
Contact: Esther Wolfe, Communications Director
Office: 586-469-5737
Cell: 586-842-4421
Email: esther_wolfe@macombgov.org
