A Derbyshire Constabulary detective is under investigation for alleged gross misconduct over claims they used artificial intelligence (AI) inappropriately during criminal inquiries, the police watchdog has said.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said it is investigating claims the unnamed officer used AI to justify decision-making and inputted "sensitive" data relating to cases.
Voluntary referral and allegations
In a statement issued on Thursday (22 October), the IOPC said: "Derbyshire Constabulary made a voluntary conduct referral to us on June 23 following an internal review of the officer’s AI use and concerns it may not have been in line with guidance and conditions issued by the force.
"It’s alleged the officer used AI to create policy decisions, assess and manage risk, and to justify decision-making, and that sensitive operational and personal data relating to cases was also inputted," they added. "We assessed the detail contained in the referral and decided the matter required investigation and that it was right for us to carry out the investigation independently."
The officer has been served notice advising they are being investigated for alleged gross misconduct.
Investigation scope and background
IOPC director of engagement Emily Barry said: "These are serious allegations and it’s right they are investigated thoroughly and independently.
"Our investigation will analyse the officer’s use of (Microsoft) Copilot between May last year and June this year and assess if there are any potential breaches of police professional standards."
The IOPC said it understood Derbyshire Constabulary authorised the use of Microsoft Copilot for officers in May 2025, with guidance on how it could be used to aid productivity in drafting reports and summarising information. There were conditions on its use, including that no operational, sensitive or personal data should be inputted to AI.
