The police will always use artificial intelligence responsibly

AI programs are being trialled to reduce call demand, tackle child exploitation and identify DA.

That’s the message from the police’s first-ever leader in artificial intelligence (AI), who is reaffirming his commitment to transforming the police service.

Acting Chief Constable Alex Murray took up the role in March this year and plans to focus on three key areas: improving productivity, making policing more effective in reducing crime, and tackling the criminal use of AI.

He is also keen to highlight the innovative work and ambitious pilot projects already underway to achieve these important objectives.

These include:

• AI trials in control rooms to help operators manage demand and focus on those most at risk.

• The development of editing tools, transcription and translation services.

• Tools that help you sift through large amounts of data to identify potential areas of child exploitation.
• The NPCC is also participating in the Probable Futures program, a four-year research project that will look at all AI systems within law enforcement and create a responsible and “operationally ready” framework for the use of AI.

T/Chief Commissioner Murray said:

“There are huge benefits to using AI in the wider criminal justice system, not just policing, and we should not shy away from it.

“Technology is evolving at such a rapid pace, and it will never move this slowly again, which means we need to mobilize now and equip our workforce for the future. If we don’t, we risk falling behind the criminals who embrace and exploit these tools.

“AI offers huge opportunities for policing. It can automate a range of administrative tasks, such as closing call logs, redacting huge court bundles and translating documents. It can help our call handlers prioritize those who need their help most and can even help identify patterns and trends in evidence. These productivity gains ultimately mean that officers and staff have more time to get back into their communities.

“There is always more demand for policing than it can provide and AI helps free up officers’ time so they can focus on those who need them most.

“The public can be assured that AI will not replace police officers. Police will remain at the heart of everything we do, because violent disorder, domestic abuse, child sexual exploitation for example, will always require a trained human officer to communicate, provide support and make the final decisions, and that will never change.”

The former West Mercia officer, now director of the NCA, added:

“I want to make it clear to the public that our use of AI will always be responsible, transparent and explainable. That is why we have all signed the very first AI covenant.

“The responsible use of AI is paramount if we want to deliver a service that communities trust. People will see that the only motivation here is to improve what we do and better achieve our mission of making people safer.

“We are open to criticism and want to build transparency into what we do. For us, innovation is about keeping our communities safe, not for profit, not for the profit.

“We are committed to working with key partners, academia and industry leaders to improve, but we will always be open and transparent about our actions and intentions.”