Police Forces Stall on AI Investment, Research Shows

New FOI data collected by Content Guru indicates that while many UK police forces are exploring AI, most have not yet expanded their investment in the technology.

Among the forces that have trialled or implemented generative AI, 58.8% reported no additional spending on AI or automation in the past financial year.

“These figures reveal a growing interest in AI across policing, but also a clear gap between exploration and delivery,” commented Martin Taylor, Co-Founder and Deputy CEO at Content Guru.

“To unlock AI’s full potential, forces need to bridge the divide between trials and operational use, ensuring citizens see the benefits in faster and more accessible services.

The findings suggest that AI use in policing remains at an early stage. Around 59.5% of forces have tested or introduced generative AI tools, largely for back-office tasks using platforms such as Microsoft 365 Copilot and IBM Watsonx.

Frontline use is still limited, with only 27.0% of forces applying AI to public-facing communication through tools like chatbots or virtual assistants.

“It’s difficult to fully appreciate the challenges facing policing when it comes to AI adoption. Forces are experiencing spiralling and more complex demand, and it’s clear that AI tools could help,” added Nick Gargan, industry analyst, commentator, and former Chief Constable.

“Yet budgets are barely keeping pace with rising employment costs, and government investments have focused on more people, not better technology.

Add to that the public’s nervousness about AI in policing, and it’s understandable that many chiefs have adopted a cautious approach. Yet, paradoxically, now is the time to be bold because the alternative is that policing runs the risk of being left behind.”

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