Metropolitan Police Employs Palantir AI to Detect Officer Misconduct
The Metropolitan Police, the United Kingdom's largest force with 46,000 officers and staff, has confirmed it is utilising artificial intelligence tools supplied by the US technology firm Palantir to monitor internal behaviour and identify potential professional shortcomings. This revelation follows previous refusals by the Met to confirm or deny its use of Palantir's technology, which is also employed by the Israeli military and Donald Trump's Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation.
AI Analysis Targets Sickness, Absences, and Overtime Patterns
According to exclusive information obtained by the Guardian, the Met is deploying Palantir's AI systems to scrutinise internal data concerning sickness levels, absences from duty, and overtime patterns. The force asserts there is evidence suggesting a correlation between these factors and failures in standards, culture, and behaviour. A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police explained that by integrating data from multiple existing internal databases, the time-limited pilot aims to help identify behavioural patterns among officers and staff as part of broader efforts to enhance standards and improve organisational culture.
The Police Federation, representing rank-and-file officers, has strongly criticised this approach, labelling it "automated suspicion." The federation emphasised that officers should not be subjected to opaque or untested tools that might misinterpret unsustainable workload pressures, sickness, or overtime as indicators of wrongdoing. They argue that policing already operates under extensive scrutiny, and raising standards should focus on proper supervision, fair processes, and human judgment rather than automating suspicion.
Controversies and Broader Context
The Metropolitan Police has faced a series of controversies in recent years, including failures in officer vetting highlighted by the Wayne Couzens case and toleration of discriminatory and misogynistic behaviour. In response, the force stated that Palantir's systems help identify patterns, but it is ultimately officers who explore further and make determinations on standards, performance, or other issues.
Palantir's involvement extends beyond policing, with the company securing significant public sector contracts in the UK. These include a £330 million deal with the NHS in November 2023 to provide a federated data platform and a £240 million contract with the Ministry of Defence agreed in December 2025. The company has also been entangled in political disputes, notably concerning Peter Mandelson's role as Keir Starmer's ambassador to the US before his dismissal over links to Jeffrey Epstein. Mandelson's lobbying firm, Global Counsel, works for Palantir, which was co-founded by Trump-supporting billionaire Peter Thiel.
Political and Regulatory Reactions
Martin Wrigley MP, a Liberal Democrat member of the Commons science, innovation and technology select committee, expressed concerns about the rights of officers as employees, questioning who monitors Palantir given its pervasive role in government operations. Meanwhile, Labour's policing white paper last month committed to supporting responsible AI adoption in policing, with plans to invest over £115 million over three years to develop and roll out AI tools across all 43 forces in England and Wales.
Palantir's AI is already available for use by several other police forces through regional investigations units to assist in inquiries. A spokesperson for Palantir stated pride in their software's role in delivering better public services in the UK, including improving police operations, NHS efficiency, and Royal Navy capabilities.
As the Met continues this pilot, debates over privacy, employee rights, and the ethical use of AI in law enforcement are likely to intensify, highlighting the delicate balance between technological advancement and fundamental liberties.
